Will Smith Shooter, Cardell Hayes, Found Guilty

Cardell Hayes, the man responsible for shooting former New Orleans Saints star Will Smith in an apparent road rage incident, has been found guilty of manslaughter.

Smith was shot and killed by Hayes on April 9th in New Orleans after the two got into a verbal altercation over Hayes allegedly rear ending Smith’s vehicle with his Hummer H2.

After 5 1/2 hours of jury deliberations, the verdict was delivered.  Hayes’ manslaughter conviction carries a maximum of 40 years in prison. Hayes was also found guilty of attempted manslaughter, for shooting Smith’s wife in the leg.

A spokesperson for Racquel Smith released a statement after the verdict: “Because of the upcoming sentencing hearing, in which Racquel will provide a victim impact statement, she does not feel it is appropriate to comment on the facts of the case at this time. The main focus of Will Smith’s family is to see Mr. Hayes justly sentenced for the murder he so callously committed.”

The judge has scheduled Hayes’ sentencing hearing for February 17th at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.