Former Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot eight times—seven times in the back—when he was killed after a fender bender turned into a road rage confrontation back in 2016.
Smith’s wife Racquel was shot twice in her legs, but has since recovered from her injuries. Physically, she is fine. Mentally, she is likely distraught after finding out that the man who killed her husband, Cardall Hayes, is out of prison.
Cardell Hayes made bond last week after spending the nearly 5 years in prison.
“The jury returned a split verdict of manslaughter in Smith’s killing and attempted manslaughter for striking Racquel Smith with a bullet wound to the leg. After the Supreme Court struck down non-unanimous verdicts in April 2020, it also determined that the ruling should be applied retroactively.
Hayes’ conviction and 25-year sentence were tossed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.”
Earlier this month, Racquel Smith tearfully testified on a Zoom call, saying she doesn’t think Hayes should have the chance to walk free.
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“I promised my kids on the day that he was sentenced that they didn’t have to worry about this man,” Racquel Smith told the court. “He doesn’t deserve to get bond. … He gave my entire family a life sentence.”
