In a case that continues to captivate the city of New Orleans, Cardell Hayes is currently standing trial for manslaughter in the shooting death of retired New Orleans Saints star, Will Smith. The second trial has reignited the debate over whether Hayes' actions were justified on the night of the incident.

Nearly eight years have passed since that fateful night, which saw the city gripped by the tragedy that unfolded. Following a minor car accident and a street fistfight, Hayes fired shots at Smith, ultimately leading to his death. Hayes has never denied being the shooter and remained at the scene until the police arrived, calmly placing the weapon on the hood of his vehicle.

Claiming self-defense, Hayes maintained that Smith had mentioned retrieving his own firearm after an initial exchange of punches. The question of whether Hayes had the right to protect himself by firing first has been a point of contention in New Orleans for years.

The district attorney has decided to pursue a manslaughter charge in this trial, eschewing the murder charge that was unsuccessful in the first trial. However, Hayes still faces the possibility of a significant prison sentence, ranging from 20 to 40 years.

The incident occurred after a night of celebration in the French Quarter, where Smith had been partying with loved ones. While driving his Mercedes on Magazine Street, Smith lightly rear-ended Hayes' vehicle. Surveillance footage indicates that Hayes initially pulled over, expecting to resolve the situation. However, Smith, who was found to have a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit, drove away.

Hayes, who was sober at the time, followed Smith until a collision occurred between their vehicles. Both men and their companions exited their vehicles, and a chaotic confrontation ensued. Hayes has claimed that he believed Smith was retrieving a firearm, prompting him to shoot in self-defense. Tragically, Smith lost his life in the altercation, leaving behind a grieving family.

The case has raised numerous questions about fault and responsibility. Smith was revered as a beloved member of the Saints' Super Bowl-winning team, but his decision to drive under the influence and engage in a confrontation plays a role in the ongoing debate. In contrast, Hayes is described as mild-mannered and had spent the evening playing games at a friend's house.

The first trial concluded in December 2016, with Hayes being convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison. However, the jury's vote was not unanimous, as two jurors believed Hayes to be not guilty. At the time, Louisiana and Oregon were the only states in which a conviction did not require a unanimous agreement from the jury.

In 2020, the United States Supreme Court declared split-decision convictions, like the one in Hayes' case, to be unconstitutional. As a result, Orleans Parish has agreed to dismiss some split-decision convictions. Hayes, after spending over four and a half years in prison, was released on bond pending his second trial.

The second trial is underway with less local and national attention compared to the previous proceedings. Notable figures from the New Orleans Saints, who showed support for the Smith family during the initial trial, have been noticeably absent.

As the trial continues, a jury consisting of 12 individuals will ultimately decide Cardell Hayes' fate. The outcome of this highly charged case will have significant implications, both in terms of justice for Will Smith and the ongoing debate surrounding self-defense laws. The question remains: Does Cardell Hayes' fatal actions make him a murderer?