Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Will Smith murder defendant claims self-defense

Related Topics: Murder, Defendant, Will Smith

The man charged with shooting and killing former Saints defensive end Will Smith after an April traffic accident testified Saturday he thought Smith had a gun and had fired at him first.

Cardell Hayes faces several charges in the trial, including second-degree murder in the death of Smith, as well as attempted second-degree murder in the shooting of Smith's wife, Racquel, in the incident.

MORE: Notable sports deaths in 2016

Hayes testified Saturday for the first time, and said in a New Orleans courtroom that after he ran into Smith's SUV on April 9 of this year, the former Saints defensive lineman cursed him, then said he was going to get a gun out of his SUV.