Cardell Hayes sentenced to 25 years for manslaughter in death of Will Smith

Cardell Hayes, the man who killed former New Orleans Saints defensive end and Super Bowl champion Will Smith, was sentenced to 25 years in prison Thursday afternoon before his and Smith’s family.

Hayes was not given the possibility of parole. He was sentenced to 15 years for the attempted manslaughter of Smith’s wife, Racquel, and 25 for the manslaughter of Smith. Judge Camille Buras said that the sentences will run concurrently.

During sentencing, Judge Buras rejected the idea that Hayes acted in self defense. She said that Hayes caused “great bodily harm” and used a weapon in commission of a crime. She also noted the immense emotion surrounding this case, which lasted roughly one year from Hayes’ original indictment.

“The court does feel compelled to say how profoundly sad and tragic this case is,” Buras said.

Smith’s wife Racquel released a statement, unhappy with the court’s decision:

Hayes, a 29-year-old truck driver and dog breeder from the Ninth Ward in New Orleans, was sentenced by Judge Buras after being convicted on Dec. 11. During the trial, Hayes argued that the shooting, which took place after traffic incident, was unintentional.

The trial was polarizing within the New Orleans community itself, bringing into focus the city’s maligned criminal justice system.

Orleans Parish district attorney Leon Cannizzaro originally called for Hayes to serve up to 60 years for the offenses in December after the conclusion of the trial.

Hayes’ sentencing ran Wednesday and Thursday at the Orleans Parish Criminal Court. Hayes’ lawyers presented a motion to get a new trial, which was denied.

Judge Buras also set a trial date of June 26 for a pending aggravated assault charge against Smith, according to Ramon Vargas of The New Orleans Advocate.