After almost eight years since the fatal shooting of retired New Orleans Saints star Will Smith, a retrial is set to begin on Monday for Cardell Hayes, the man who has long claimed self-defense in the incident. The shooting took place in April 2016 following a car crash, resulting in the death of Smith and the injury of his wife, Racquel Smith.

Hayes was initially convicted of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter several months after the shooting. However, the jury's vote was not unanimous, with a split of 10-2. The US Supreme Court later ruled that such convictions must be unanimous, leading to the reversal of Hayes' conviction. As a result, he was released on bond after serving more than four years of a 25-year sentence.

During his trial in December 2016, Hayes testified that he fired at Smith because he believed the former football star had retrieved a gun from his SUV. He claimed that he heard a “pop” before opening fire, hitting Smith once in the side and seven times in the back. Hayes maintained that he did not shoot at Smith's wife, who was struck in the legs. However, there was no witness or forensic evidence to support Hayes' claim that Smith had wielded or fired a weapon.

The retrial for Hayes has faced multiple delays, including those caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As the proceedings finally resume, the spotlight is once again on the tragic incident that claimed the life of a beloved member of the New Orleans community. Will Smith, a 34-year-old father of three, was not only a defensive leader on the Saints team but also played a crucial role in uplifting the spirits of the city after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005. His contributions helped lead the team to a winning season in 2006 and a Super Bowl victory in 2010.

Meanwhile, Cardell Hayes, who owned a tow truck business and once played semi-pro football, is the father of a young son. As the retrial unfolds, the court will carefully examine the evidence and testimony to determine the truth behind the tragic events of that fateful night in April 2016. The outcome of this trial will not only impact the lives of the individuals involved but also carry significant weight in the pursuit of justice for Will Smith and his grieving family.