NEW ORLEANS — Former Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot and killed in New Orleans on Saturday night, following a minor car crash, authorities said.
Orleans Parish Coroner Dr. Jeffrey Rouse confirmed Smith was the fatal victim in the shooting. Authorities said Smith's wife was wounded and taken to the hospital. The shooter is being questioned, police said.
The shooting occurred around 11:29 p.m. close to the intersection of Sophie Wright Place and Felicity Street in the Lower Garden District, NOPD said.
Smith and his wife were in his Mercedes G63 SUV following some friends in a Chevrolet Impala when their vehicle was rear-ended by a Hummer H2. The collision caused Smith's Benz to run into the Impala.
Smith and the driver of the Hummer "exchanged words, at which time the driver of the Hummer produced a handgun and shot the male victim (Smith) multiple times and his 34-year-old wife twice in the right leg," said NOPD spokeswoman Juan Barnes.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Racquel Smith was taken to the hospital and treated for non-life threatening wounds. The gun used in the shooting has been recovered.
Police said the driver of the Hummer, Cardell Hayes, 28, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder.
Hayes did not enter a plea during his first court appearance on Sunday, and bond was set at $1 million. Being convicted of second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence.
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