Clear & Convincing - Episode 51 - State of Louisiana v. Cardell A. Hayes

On April 9, 2016, two rear-end collisions escalated into a road rage incident and the shooting death of former New Orleans Saints’ defensive end Will Smith.  Smith’s wife, Racquel, was also seriously wounded in the incident.  Cardell A. Hayes, a tow truck driver and once promising high school athlete was arrested and charged with second degree murder.  At his trial in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in December, 2016, Hayes testified that the shooting was in self-defense, after Smith punched him and fired a gun at him.  That testimony was refuted by multiple witnesses, including three independent witnesses near the scene.  The jury voted 10-2 to convict Hayes of manslaughter for the death of Smith and attempted manslaughter for the injury to Racquel.  We’ll talk about the lives and careers of Will Smith and Cardell Hayes, the events leading up to the shooting, Hayes’ trial, his request for a new trial and the outcome of his direct appeal.  Then we’ll talk about Hayes’ pending writ to the Louisiana Supreme Court and Ramos v. Louisiana, a U.S. Supreme Court case that could impact non-unanimous felony convictions in Louisiana.  We’re a live show and calls are welcome.  Our phone number is (347) 989-1171.