Man who killed Saints' Will Smith gets 25-year prison sentence - ESPN

NEW ORLEANS — The man who fatally shot retired New Orleans Saints star Will Smith during a confrontation following a car crash in 2016 received a 25-year prison sentence Thursday in a New Orleans courtroom.

It was the second time Cardell Hayes, 36, had faced sentencing in Smith's death. He was convicted of manslaughter in December 2016 and later sentenced to 25 years. But the jury vote had been 10-2 and the conviction was later tossed after the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed such nonunanimous verdicts.

Hayes was released on bond after having served more than four years of the original sentence. He remained free during multiple retrial delays, some due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But he was taken back into custody following the unanimous Jan. 27 verdict and had been awaiting sentencing at the New Orleans jail.

While waiting for court to open, about two dozen of Hayes' family and friends formed a circle and prayed in the wide courthouse hallway.

Smith's daughter Lisa, now a teenager, was among those who spoke in court before the sentencing. She said her mother had to relearn to walk after the shooting and she lamented not having her father around for major life events.

«Mr. Hayes, you ruined my life,» she said. «You took my father away from me.»

In testimony in support of Hayes, his mother, Dawn Mumphrey, expressed sorrow for the loss of Smith.

«Our lives are forever changed as well,» she said, her voice shaking as she tearfully looked at the judge. «I ask for your mercy.»

Smith was shot eight times — seven times in the back — during a confrontation with Hayes that happened after Hayes' SUV struck the rear of Smith's vehicle.

Hayes has long said he fired in self-defense. He said he fired only because he believed a drunken and