Ex-American footballer Will, who played for the New Orleans Saints team, was killed and a woman, thought to be his wife, was wounded during the shooting yesterday.
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The alleged shooter, Cardell “Bear” Hayes, stayed on the scene until police arrived and he was arrested for second degree murder and is being held on $1 million bail. Gamble said the investigation was ongoing but did not release further details.
Hayes is scheduled to appear before a judge Sunday night.
Kim Kardashian has paid an emotional tribute to former Super Bowl victor Will Smith who was shot dead in New Orleans.
Online court records show Hayes pleaded guilty in 2014 to one count each of possessing an illegal weapon and possessing drug paraphernalia.
“We are thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers”, the heartbroken Smith family said. The Hummer driver allegedly shot him multiple times and his wife twice in the leg. She was transported to a local hospital.
“Well, I know that there were parties that were intoxicated or under the influence of some type of mind-altering substance, based on appearances”, Fuller said. NOPD spokesman Tyler Gamble said all of the shell casings collected at the scene match that handgun.
The man accused of killing former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith had once sued city police after they shot and killed his father on December 26, 2005.
Upon hearing of Smith’s death Saints vice president of communications Greg Bensel tweeted “A senseless and tragic loss”. He spent all nine of his seasons with the Saints and last played in 2012.
Possible motive: Just one hour before his death, Will was seen in a photo online with former New Orleans Police Department commander Billy Ceravolo and former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas.
Smith won a national championship with Ohio State’s football team and was a first-round Saints draft in 2004.
While this is being reported now as a case of road rage it is important to note that the Washington Post reports that Hayes was no stranger to the former Pro Bowler.
In 2011, the NFL announced it was suspending Smith for two games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. He ranks fourth among the Saints’ all-time sack leaders and is considered one of the franchise’s great defensive players. Those charges were eventually dismissed, with Smith completing community service and counseling.
“The Saints family is hurting and devastated as it has lost a member too young and too soon”, Saints owner Tom Benson said in a statement.
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The following year, he was suspended for four games after he and three other Saints were implicated in the franchise’s “bountygate” scandal.
