Cardell Hayes, 36, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Thursday in a New Orleans courtroom after he was convicted of shooting former NFL and Ohio State star Will Smith during a confrontation following a car crash in 2016.
Cardell Hayes, 36, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Thursday in a New Orleans courtroom after he was convicted of shooting former NFL and Ohio State star Will Smith during a confrontation following a car crash in 2016. Smith, who died at age 34 as a father of three, played nine seasons in the NFL from 2004 to 2012 after a standout career at Ohio State from 2000 to 2003.
Cardell Hayes, 36, was convicted for shooting Smith eight times – including seven times in the back – during an altercation following a car crash in New Orleans in 2016. Hayes claimed he fired at Smith in self-defense, believing he was intoxicated and had retrieved a firearm from his SUV. Hayes also claimed he did not fire at Smith’s wife, Racquel, who was shot in the legs.
“Our lives are forever changed as well,” she told Buras, her voice shaking, according to AP. “I ask for your mercy.” Hayes’ 25-year prison sentence marks the second time he faced sentencing in Smith’s death. He was previously convicted of manslaughter in December 2016 and sentence to 25 years in prison. However, after serving four years of his sentence, Hayes was released on bond after his conviction was tossed due to the U.S. Supreme Court outlawing such non-unanimous convictions, per AP. The initial conviction was due to a 10-2 jury decision.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl after recording 10.5 sacks during the 2006 NFL season, and helped lead the Saints to win Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts in February 2010. Smith finished his NFL career with 463 tackles, 67.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and two interceptions in 139 games for the Saints, including 120 starts.
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