INQUISITR.COM / Sports

Cardell Hayes Arrested: Police Say 29-Year-Old Man Killed Former New Orleans Saints Player Will Smith After Traffic Accident Argument

By Nathan Francis
Published on: 04:30 PST, Apr 10, 2016

Cardell Hayes has been arrested and charged with the murder of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, who was gunned down after a road rage incident in New Orleans on Saturday.

Police announced Hayes’ arrest on Sunday, saying the 29-year-old was responsible for the car accident that led to an argument with Smith, where Hayes ultimately pulled a gun and shot both Smith and his wife.

As KCTV reported, this was not the first brush with the law for Cardell Hayes.

“New Orleans Police Department spokesman Tyler Gamble on Sunday identified the suspect as Cardell Hayes, 29. Gamble said the investigation was ongoing but did not release further details. Online court records show Hayes pleaded guilty in 2014 to one count each of possessing an illegal weapon and possessing drug paraphernalia.”

Prior to the shooting, Will Smith seemed thrilled to be back in New Orleans with his wife, posting a picture on Saturday of the pair ready to celebrate in the city’s French Quarter.

Within hours the former New Orleans Saints player would be dead, leaving the picture as a devastating reminder of a life snuffed out early. Smith is being remembered as great both on and off the field, with an outpouring of support and condolences from across the sports world.

Police said the 34-year-old Smith was killed after exchanging words with the driver of a Hummer H2 who rear-ended Smith’s vehicle.

As New Orleans police explained, Will Smith was killed and his wife shot when the man later identified as Cardell Hayes pulled a handgun and firing what witnesses say were six to eight shots.

“The 34-year-old male victim’s vehicle was traveling eastbound on Sophie Wright Place when his vehicle was hit in the rear by a Hummer H2,” police said, before the suspect was identified as Cardell Hayes. “The collision caused the victim’s Mercedes G63 SUV to strike the rear of a Chevrolet Impala who was traveling along with the victim. The male victim and the driver of the Hummer exchanged words at which time the driver of the Hummer produced a handgun and shot the male victim multiple times and his 34-year-old wife in the leg. The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Smith’s death has sent shockwaves around the NFL, with many former teammates and opponents remembering his impact on the field and his dedication to charitable causes off of it.

In the early morning hours on Sunday, Smith’s family released a statement thanking those who had reached out.

“On behalf of the Smith family, we are thankful for the outpouring of support and prayer,” the family said (via ESPN). “We ask that you continue to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve the loss of a devoted husband, father and friend.”

Smith was with friend and former teammate Pierre Thomas the night of his murder, and the running back was reportedly distraught after Smith’s murder.

https://twitter.com/MichaelDeMocker/status/719038159640629248?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

Will Smith is being remembered for his contributions to the city of New Orleans. Drafted in 2004, he played a key role in the team after Hurricane Katrina, helping giving residents something to cheer for as their city was being rebuilt. Smith was also very active in causes within the city, including hosting an annual Christmas party for a local charity working with children and families in the city.

Police say they arrested Cardell Hayes at the scene of Will Smith’s murder. It is not immediately clear when Hayes is schedule to make his first court appearance.

[Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images]

Share this article: Cardell Hayes Arrested: Police Say 29-Year-Old Man Killed Former New Orleans Saints Player Will Smith After Traffic Accident Argument
will smith
More from Inquisitr