Accused killer of former Saints star Will Smith expected to plead guilty to manslaughter

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The man accused of killing former New Orleans Saints star Will Smith and injuring Smith’s wife, is expected to plead guilty to manslaughter on Wednesday (Sept. 20).

Cardell Hayes is the man accused of killing the former Saints player.

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The U.S. Supreme Court vacated his 2016 conviction for manslaughter and attempted manslaughter because the verdict was not unanimous.

Hayes says he acted in self-defense when he shot Smith in 2016 during a road rage incident in the Lower Garden District.

Hayes’ retrial first was scheduled for July 2021 but it already has been delayed six times with the Office of Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams overseeing the case.

Hayes served less than five years of a 25-year sentence and has been free on bond since March 2021 awaiting a second trial.

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