Cardell Hayes charged with second-degree murder of Will Smith

Cardell Hayes, a 28-year-old former high school football recruit, was arrested Sunday morning and charged with the murder of Will Smith.

Smith, a former NFL defensive end who spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints, was shot and killed Saturday night in what authorities believe was a road-rage incident. Police said Smith was involved in a fender-bender at around 11:30 p.m. and that he “exchanged words” with the driver of the other car, a Hummer H2. Witnesses say they heard six to eight gunshots.

Katherine Sayre of NOLA.com reports that Hayes has been charged with second-degree murder.

#NOPD has arrested Cardell Hayes and booked him with second degree murder in the death of Will Smith. #NOPDResults pic.twitter.com/q5iplmkShK

— NOPD (@NOPDNews) April 10, 2016

Smith’s wife, Racquel, was wounded during the incident.

Hayes was arrested in 2010 for illegal carrying of a weapon, illegal possession of codeine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He ended up pleading guilty to reduced charges in 2014 and receiving a suspended six-month sentence.