NEW ORLEANS (AP) – The defense will get a chance to make its case for leniency Thursday when a sentencing hearing resumes in the shooting death of former New Orleans Saints star Will Smith.
Smith’s widow, Racquel, and other loved ones took the stand Wednesday and tearfully aimed bitter remarks at her husband’s killer, Cardell Hayes.
Hayes, 29, could be sentenced to 60 years for fatally shooting Smith and wounding Racquel Smith in a confrontation after a traffic crash last year.
Hayes, who was convicted of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter, insisted at trial that he shot in self-defense.
His family and friends were in the courtroom as well Wednesday and some may be called to the stand Thursday to show support.