Will Smith shooting update: Cardell Hayes charged with 2nd degree murder

Less than three weeks after former NFL star Will Smith was shot and killed during a road rage incident in New Orleans, a grand jury has indicted shooter Cardell Hayes on charges of second degree murder, attempted second degree murder (for shooting Will Smith’s wife, Racquel Smith, in the leg), aggravated assault with a firearm and aggravated criminal damage to a vehicle.

Cardell Hayes has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and he continues to insist that the shooting was in self defense because Will Smith was going for his gun. Police did find a loaded 9mm handgun in Will Smith’s vehicle after conducting a search, but there is no evidence he ever had the weapon in his hand. “At least one witness has claimed Smith said he was going to get his gun during the heated argument following their fender bender,” TMZ reported, “and that’s when Hayes pulled out his weapon and opened fire.”

Cardell Hayes remains behind bars, and his bond has been raised to $1.75 million. According to TMZ, Cardell Hayes faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of second degree murder.