Man Who Shot Ex-Saints Star Will Smith Gets 25-Year Manslaughter Sentence

In a significant legal development in New Orleans, Cardell Hayes, aged 36, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the fatal shooting of retired NFL star Will Smith. This marks the conclusion of a prolonged legal battle that began with the tragic incident in 2016. The sentencing took place on Thursday, following a unanimous jury conviction in January, which was a retrial necessitated by a Supreme Court ruling against non-unanimous verdicts.

The case has drawn considerable attention due to the circumstances surrounding Smith's death and Hayes' subsequent trials. Initially convicted in December 2016 with a 10-2 jury vote, Hayes' manslaughter conviction was overturned after the Supreme Court's decision. The retrial led to his recent unanimous conviction.

Judge Camille Buras delivered the sentence, acknowledging the support Hayes received but also highlighting the gravity of the incident. The confrontation that led to Smith being shot eight times, seven times in the back, occurred after Hayes' SUV collided with Smith's vehicle. Notably, Smith was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

During the sentencing hearing, emotional testimonies were heard from both sides. Lisa Smith, now a teenager and daughter of Will Smith, expressed the profound impact her father's death had on her life. On the other hand, Hayes' mother pleaded for mercy, emphasizing the shared tragedy of both families.

Hayes has consistently claimed he acted in self-defence, believing Smith had retrieved a gun from his SUV. However, no evidence supported Hayes' claim that Smith had wielded or fired a weapon. Despite this, Hayes' defense maintained that prosecutors could not conclusively prove he did not act in self-defence.

Following his initial conviction, Hayes was released on bond after serving over four years. He remained free amid delays for his retrial, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was taken into custody after the January verdict.

The case has resonated deeply within the New Orleans community and beyond. Will Smith was celebrated for his contributions to the New Orleans Saints, particularly following Hurricane Katrina's devastation. His leadership and achievements on and off the field have left a lasting legacy. Meanwhile, Hayes, who once played semi-pro football and owns a tow truck business, faces a lengthy prison term as he and his young son confront this new reality.

The sentencing brings to close a chapter that has been fraught with legal complexities and emotional turmoil for all involved. It underscores the lasting consequences of violence and the intricate process of seeking justice within the legal system.