By Alisha Dixon
A jury reached a verdict Sundayin the trial of a Cardell Hayes who was found guilty of manslaughter for the murder of former New Orleans Saints and Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Will Smith.
Hayes fatally shot Smith in New Orleans on April 9.
A statement was released on behalf of Raquel Smith, Smith’s wife before the verdict was reached:
“Raquel’s heart is full of gratitude for the entire staff of the New Orleans District’s Attorney’s Office and the members of the Police Department who worked tirelessly in this case. She is particularly grateful to District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro and his Assistant District Attorney’s Jason Napoli and Laura Rodrigue for their hard work in presenting this case with such precision, professionalism and passion.”
Smith was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2004 NFL draft as the number 18 draft pick. In 2003, Smith was the 2003 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State. In 2006, Smith and the Saints won the Super Bowl and played in the 2006 Pro Bowl.
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