Man accused of shooting Will Smith indicted for murder

Cardell Hayes, who has been accused of shooting and killing former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday. He was indicted on four charges, including second-degree murder.

The indictment was for attempted second-degree murder, second-degree murder, aggravated assault and aggravated criminal damage, according to WVUE in New Orleans. Hayes is also accused of shooting Smith’s wife Racquel, although she survived the shooting.

NOLA.com said the indictment came Thursday during a probable cause hearing. Witnesses were being called by the defense to testify about the April 9 shooting. At the same time, prosecutors were presenting evidence and witnesses to the grand jury, NOLA.com said. The probable cause hearing was moved to another courtroom after the indictment was read, which is unusual.

The coroner’s report said Smith was shot eight times, seven times in the back and once in the left side of his chest. Hayes’ lawyer John Fuller said that his client was not the aggressor in the incident.

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab