A grand jury for the Will Smith murder investigation will be convened Thursday, John Fuller, attorney for the accused killer Cardell Hayes tells CNN.
“Witnesses are definitely subpoenaed for the grand jury that will be convened tomorrow,” he said Wednesday. “They are served to testify tomorrow.”
Smith, a former New Orleans Saints defensive end, was gunned down following an altercation which occurred as a result of a traffic crash Saturday April 9. Suspect Cardell Hayes, 28, is accused of killing him after they “exchanged words” in the street.
His wife, Racquel, was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the leg.
The next court appearance for Hayes, who’s been charged with second-degree murder, is set for April 28. Hayes’ attorney argues he fired in self defense and is “legally not guilty.”
Here’s a quick a look at other developments from the last few days:
Cop who dined with Smith off the force
While police investigate the shooting, the reserve officer who dined with him the night he died is temporarily off the force.
Capt. Billy Ceravolo, who retired from the New Orleans Police Department but still serves as reserve officer, has been removed from service pending the outcome of the investigation, police spokesman Tyler Gamble said Tuesday. That decision was made to protect the integrity of the investigation into Smith’s death, Gamble said.
Ceravolo also has another connection to the case: the suspect sued him in 2006. That lawsuit against Ceravolo and several other officers over the death of Cardell Hayes’ father was settled out of court, and authorities have said they don’t think the case has any link to this month’s shooting. But it’s a detail that drew attention to Ceravolo early in the investigation.
The latest police announcement is the most recent twist in a case that’s grown increasingly complicated with each detail that emerges. Here’s a quick a look at other developments from the last few days:
The investigation
Louisiana State Police say they won’t be taking charge of the investigation. That’s something the attorney for Hayes had requested, accusing local police of misconduct.
“We have every confidence that the (New Orleans) Police Department has the investigative expertise and capacity to fulfill its obligation of conducting an objective and professional investigation,” state police said in a statement over the weekend, according to CNN affiliate WDSU.
The state agency said it was supporting the investigation with forensics and DNA capabilities, CNN affiliate WGNO reported.
New Orleans Police have said they’re investigating the case thoroughly, just like they do any other homicide.
The funeral
The Saints held a public visitation for Smith last Friday. A private service was held Saturday. And a New Orleans-style second line sendoff in the streets served as a memorial for the former defensive end — and a protest of violence in the city, WGNO reported.
