Former Saints DE Shot And Killed

Former New Orleans Saints defensive end and 9-year NFL veteran Will Smith, 34, was shot and killed in New Orleans Saturday night after getting in an minor car accident. Smith was shot after leaving his vehicle and exchanging words with the driver that rear-ended him. He was shot multiple times, while his wife Racquel, 33, was shot in the leg once and later taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves behind his wife and three children.

Police arrested Cardell Hayes and charged him with second-degree murder for killing Smith. New orleans police were also able to recover the handgun Hayes used to shoot Smith as well. Hayes did not enter a plea and if found guilty would face an automatic life sentence.

Saints owners Tom and Gayle Benson released a statement on Smith.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Will and his wife Racquel, but more importantly with their children, William, Wynter and Lisa, who are suffering and just starting to realize and deal with an unimaginable loss," Tom and Gayle Benson said. "We are devastated and saddened by Will's tragic and preventable death due to a senseless act that will leave a lasting scar on our community forever."

There is no date set for further litigation.