The trial has begun for Cardell, the man accused of shooting and killing former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith during a road rage incident in April.
Cardell, 29, faces a second degree murder charge in Will’s death and an attempted murder charge for the wounding of Will’s wife, Racquel. According to court documents, the two men exchanged words after Cardell’s vehicle hit the back of Will’s SUV on April 9. Authorities allege Cardell then “produced a handgun and shot Smith multiple times.” Reports say Will was shot several times in the back and Racquel was shot in the leg.
Twelve jurors, eight women and four men, were seated and heard opening arguments on Tuesday in a New Orleans courtroom. Assistant District Attorney Jason Napoli told jurors that former NFL player Pierre Thomas witnessed the shooting and that Racquel is expected to testify about what Cardell said while standing over her husband. Napoli also noted that no gun was found on Will or in his glove box, and he acknowledged that Will had been drinking that night, according to NBC News.
The defense sees it differently. Cardell’s attorney, Jay Daniels, told the jury his client acted in self defense. He said Will went to his glove box for a gun and that the collision was an accident, caused by Cardell looking at his phone while trying to call 911. Both sides are expected to focus on Louisiana’s “stand your ground” law.
Cardell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, and the trial is expected to last 7 to 10 days. We will keep following the case.
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