IFWT_Cardell Hayes mugshot

Shock, sadness and anger ripped through the sports world on Sunday when it was reported that former Saints star Will Smith was shot and killed, leaving his three children and wife who was also shot in the leg and survived.  It was initially reported as road rage gone wrong but it turns out there may be more to the story.

The first report said the suspect, Cardell Hayes, rear-ended Smith causing Will to hit the car in front of him.  They then got exchanged words and Hayes pulled out a gun and shot Smith and wife several times.  Now it’s been revealed that Hayes was no stranger to Smith.

Hayes used to do security for the Saints but there’s more.

The city recently settled a lawsuit with Hayes after his father, Anthony Hayes, was shot and killed by police in December of 2005.  According to city attorneys, Hayes father argued with a St. Charles Avenue drug store employee after his credit card was declined.

An off-duty sheriff’s deputy flagged down police after he spotted the elder Hayes wielding a pocket knife. Hayes lunged at one of the officers with a knife before three officers opened fire and shot him nine times.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Cardell Hayes sought $4 million in damages.

Just one hour before the shooting, Smith was at dinner with former teammate, Pierre Thomas and former NOPD officer, Billy Ceravolo. Ceravolo was one of the NOPD officers tied to the case in the death of Anthony Hayes.

NOPD Chief Michael Harrison is not confirming any known motive at the moment, as they continue to investigate Cardell Hayes. His bond is set at $1,000,000.  His lawyer says Hayes was not the aggressor and implied that Smith was under the influence of a mind-altering substance.

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source: WGNO