NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – The man facing murder charges in the shooting death of former NFL player Will Smith sued the City of New Orleans and NOPD officers after his father was shot during an altercation in 2005.
The above surveillance video shows that altercation.
Attorneys close to the case told WGNO, the suit was recently settled for a “large” sum of money. The lawsuit filed on behalf of Cardell Hayes sought $4 million in damages.
According to city attorneys, Hayes father, Anthony, argued with a St. Charles Avenue drug store employee in December of 2005 after his credit card was declined.
An off-duty sheriff’s deputy flagged down police after he spotted the elder Hayes wielding a pocket knife. Hayes lunged at one of the officers with a knife before three officers opened fire. Hayes was shot nine times.
28-year-old Cardell Hayes now faces 2nd-degree murder after a shooting Saturday night in the Lower Garden District which killed former Saint Will Smith and injured Smith’s wife.
Just one hour before Saturday’s shooting, Smith was at dinner with former teammate Pierre Thomas and former NOPD officer Billy Ceravolo. Ceravolo was one of the NOPD officers tied to the case in the death of Anthony Hayes.
NOPD Chief Michael Harrison is not confirming any known motive at the moment, as they continue to investigate Cardell Hayes. His bond is set at $1,000,000 and well-known defense attorney, and soon to be fill-in judge, John Fuller, will be representing Hayes.