The courtroom fell silent as Cardell Hayes, 36, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 2016 killing of retired New Orleans Saints star Will Smith. This marked the culmination of a long and complex legal battle, the second time Hayes faced sentencing for this crime. His initial 2016 manslaughter conviction, based on a 10-2 jury vote, was overturned following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling outlawing non-unanimous verdicts. After serving over four years of his initial sentence, Hayes was released on bail, enduring numerous pandemic-related delays before being found guilty again in a unanimous verdict on January 27th. Now, he faces another 25 years behind bars.
The emotional weight of the case was palpable in the courtroom. Prior to the sentencing, approximately two dozen of Hayes’ family and friends gathered in the courthouse hallway, united in prayer. Inside, Smith’s daughter, Lisa, delivered a heart-wrenching statement, detailing the devastating impact of losing her father. She spoke of her mother’s arduous journey to relearn how to walk after also being injured in the shooting and the profound absence of her father during pivotal moments in her life. Directly addressing Hayes, she poignantly stated, “Mr. Hayes, you ruined my life. You took my father away from me.”
The Incident and the Defense
The tragic event unfolded following a car collision between Smith and Hayes’ SUV. During the ensuing altercation, Smith was fatally shot eight times, seven of those wounds to his back. Hayes maintained throughout the legal proceedings that he acted in self-defense, claiming he believed Smith, whom he described as drunk and aggressive, was retrieving a gun from his vehicle. He testified to hearing a “pop” before firing, insisting he didn’t shoot at Smith’s wife, Racquel, who sustained leg injuries during the incident.
While evidence confirmed Smith’s intoxication at the time, no witness testimony or forensic evidence corroborated Hayes’ claim of Smith brandishing or firing a weapon. In the January retrial, the defense, led by attorney John Fuller, opted not to have Hayes testify, arguing the prosecution failed to disprove self-defense. The original 2016 verdict also included an attempted manslaughter conviction for the wounding of Racquel Smith, a charge Hayes was acquitted of in the retrial.
A City Mourns, a Family Grieves
The loss of Will Smith resonated deeply within the New Orleans community. A revered defensive leader for the Saints, he played a crucial role in uplifting the city’s spirits after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. His contributions to the team’s winning season in 2006 and Super Bowl victory in 2010 cemented his place as a local hero. The 34-year-old father of three left behind a legacy of athletic achievement and community impact.
Hayes, a tow truck business owner and former semi-pro football player, is also a father to a young son. His mother, Dawn Mumphrey, offered a tearful statement to the court, expressing her sorrow for the Smith family’s loss while acknowledging the profound impact the tragedy has had on her own family. “Our lives are forever changed as well,” she pleaded, her voice trembling. “I ask for your mercy.”
The Sentence and its Implications
The 25-year sentence handed down to Cardell Hayes brings a measure of closure to a case that has gripped New Orleans for years. It highlights the complexities of self-defense claims and the devastating consequences of gun violence. While the legal battle may be over, the profound impact of this tragedy will continue to reverberate through the lives of those involved and the community as a whole. The sentencing serves as a somber reminder of the enduring pain caused by the loss of Will Smith, a beloved athlete and community figure. For Hayes, it signifies a significant portion of his life spent behind bars, leaving a young son to grow up without his father.
Conclusion: A Legacy Lost, Justice Served
The Will Smith murder case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of sudden violence. While the court has delivered its verdict and Hayes begins his sentence, the healing process for both families and the community will undoubtedly continue for years to come. Will Smith’s legacy as a football hero and community leader will endure, while the circumstances of his death underscore the critical importance of conflict resolution and responsible gun ownership. This case stands as a tragic example of how quickly lives can be altered irrevocably, leaving a lasting impact on those involved and the wider community. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and reflections on this case and the larger issues it raises. What steps can communities take to prevent similar tragedies in the future?
