The man who shot and killed ex-NFL lineman Will Smith has been charged with 2nd degree murder ... and now faces life in prison if convicted.
The shooter -- Cardell Hayes -- has admitted to shooting Smith during the April 9th incident in New Orleans ... but has said he felt his life was in danger after a road rage argument because Smith was going to get his gun.
Prosecutors sent the case to a grand jury to determine whether there was enough evidence to charge Hayes ... and now we've learned the jury has given the green light.