Man Who Fatally Shot Former NFL Star Will Smith Is Granted Bond

The man who murdered former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith has been granted bail after having his sentence overturned.

Cardell Hayes was initially accused of killing Smith on April 9th, 2016, after the two exchanged words in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans. According to reports, Smith was shot seven times in the back. His wife, Racquel Smith, was also injured during the shooting.

Hayes maintained that he shot Smith in self-defense during his trial. However, in 2016 he was convicted of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter by an Orleans Parish jury who voted 10-2. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court voted to invalidate all split-jury convictions that were pending on appeal. Hayes’s conviction and 25-year prison term were overturned in January. Though he has been granted a $225,000 bond, there is a chance that he will not be released immediately.

Authorities may transfer the 33-year-old to the Orleans Justice Center first. If he is granted release pending his retrial, Hayes must stay home 24 hours a day except for a weekly church visit, submit drug tests, be monitored by the court’s intervention services program, and stay home 24 hours a day with the exception of a weekly visit to church.

Hayes continues to proclaim his innocence.