The Latest: Suspect charged in death of ex-Saints player
Apr 10, 2016, 9:05 AM | Updated: 9:06 am
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith appears before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J. Smith was fatally shot after a traffic accident in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
NEW ORLEANS — The Latest on the shooting death of ex-NFL player Will Smith (all times local):
10:45 a.m.
The New Orleans Saints have released a statement following the death of former defensive end Will Smith, who was shot and killed late Saturday in New Orleans.
Executive Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis says that the entire organization is deeply saddened by Smith’s death and noted that he was “an important contributor to numerous charitable causes” and a “cornerstone” of the team that won the Super Bowl in 2009.
Among Smith’s charitable causes was the Smith Family Christmas event that provided 60 needy families with holiday meals, gifts and a behind-the-scenes tour of the club’s practice facilities.
A suspect has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Smith was shot to death after a traffic accident in New Orleans. His wife was shot in the leg and was being treated at a local hospital.
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9:30 a.m.
Police say a suspect has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, who was shot and killed Saturday night.
New Orleans Police Department spokesman Tyler Gamble on Sunday identified the suspect as Cardell Hayes, 29. Gamble said the investigation was ongoing but did not release further details.
Authorities say Hayes killed Smith after the two argued following a traffic accident in New Orleans late Saturday.
Police say Smith’s wife was also shot and taken to a local hospital for treatment.
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Former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith was shot and killed late Saturday after a traffic accident.
An emailed statement from New Orleans city coroner Jeffrey C. Rouse said that Smith died “of multiple gunshot wounds” after a traffic accident on Camp Street. The former defensive end was 34 years old. No other information was released.
A tweet from the verified account of Greg Bensel, Saints vice president of communications and broadcasting, expressed condolences to Smith’s family.
Smith leaves behind a wife, Racquel, and three children.
