NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Cardell Hayes’ lawyer says there is new information backing up a self-defense claim, possibly even a second gunman. Hayes is accused of shooting and killing former Saint Will Smith following a traffic accident Saturday night in the Lower Garden District. Hayes is facing a second-degree murder charge.
Outside of the courthouse Monday, Hayes’ lawyer hinted at the possibility of a second gun.
“It’d be safe to say not only did my client feel threatened, but citizens on that block felt threatened as well, and the unearthing of a second gun will lend itself well to the defense of Mr. Hayes,” said Hayes’ attorney John Fuller.
Fuller continued to say “everybody out there felt threatened” and that is was “by somebody other than Mr. Hayes.”
Fuller did not say outright that there was a second shooter at the scene.