Carell Hayes has been indicted for the murder of NFL’s Will Smith. According to WGN in New Orleans, a grand jury heard testimony from witnesses who were on the scene when Hayes and Smith had an altercation that turned violent.
The case initially appeared to be a case of road rage gone wrong, but it was soon discovered that the two had a history with each other. On the night of the shooting, Smith had just left a restaurant where he was in the company of a police officer who was involved in the shooting death of Hayes’ father. At some point that evening, Smith and Hayes were driving near each other and Smith’s car bumped Hayes’ car. The two exchanged words before Smith pulled off and Hayes quickly raced behind him.
Hayes allegedly bumped Smith’s car from behind causing an accident to occur. The two began arguing again and Hayes shot Smith and his wife. Since the incident, there have been numerous accounts on what actually occurred. Shortly before Hayes was indicted, an eyewitness claimed that she saw a police officer remove a gun from Smith’s car.
Smith, 34, was one of the best defensive players to ever wear a New Orleans Saints uniform. During his 10-year career with the Saints, Smith helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2009, he recorded 67.5 career sacks, and 618 tackles.
Off the field, Smith created the Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way foundation to help provide opportunities for women and inner-city youth.
Hayes has since been indicted for second-degree murder and his bond was set at $1.75 million.
