Following Will Smith's tragic death on Saturday night, two sides have emerged with details on what happened leading up to the road-rage incident that lead to seven of eight shots being fired into the former New Orleans Saint's back, per ESPN.
Videos by FanBuzz
While Cardell Hayes' passenger's attorney has claimed self-defense and a "justifiable homicide," Racquel Smith, wife of Will, and her family's attorney have a far different story.
Evan Woodbery transcribed what was said during the family's press conference Wednesday:
Attorney: Leaving Sake, Will is not "inebriated." Orange Hummer suddenly stops in front of them, forcing them to slam brakes.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: Will, Racquel were concerned for safety after Hummer braked; they saw no damage, so they continued on their way.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: Shortly thereafter, they notice Hummer pursuing them and "violently ram" the back of their car, causing back windshield to shatter
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: Will got out of car, saw driver of Hummer coming at them. Words are exchanged.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: "Will's intent is to find out, 'Who is this guy? Why is he attacking me?' (Hayes) is enraged, yelling and cursing."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: Situation was diffused, Racquel walked Will back to the car..."At this point, the killer follows him."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney says Racquel was shot first: "Suddenly, 2 shots are fired. She is shot immediately in both legs and collapses."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
After Racquel was shot, "the killer unloads six to eight shots into Will's back," according to family attorney.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Family attorney: There's no hit-and-run; there's no fender bender. "That was far more than a fender bender; that was intentional ramming."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: "At no time during this event did Will Smith ever brandish or carry on his person a firearm."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: Will Smith was licensed concealed-carry permit holder in Louisiana.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: "That firearm was in the vehicle; it was never taken out, never brandished, never fired."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: "The killer showed no remorse whatsoever."... As Racquel crawled away, cowering, Hayes stood over body of Smith.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: "My understanding is Will did not know the shooter."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney: Will Smith's gun was "in compartment in the vehicle the entire time."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Attorney says he believes that Racquel Smith was deliberately shot, not a victim of crossfire or stray bullets.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2016
Will Smith's wife, Racquel Smith, was shot in the leg and treated for her injuries, while Will Smith was shot in the back and side late Saturday night following a reported road-rage incident and died shortly thereafter, according to the USA Today.
Hayes could also be charged in the shooting of Racquel Smith in addition to the second-degree murder charge he faces against the alleged shooting of Will Smith, per Associated Press.
Detectives are reportedly in the process of reviewing surveillance video released by FOX 8 News in New Orleans on Monday evening, appearing to show former Pro Bowler Will Smith's vehicle striking Hayes' Hummer prior to the road-rage shooting that killed the former New Orleans Saints defender.
"Prior to the actions that led to Mr. Smith's death, my client was involved in a hit-and-run. Someone hit him. The person failed to pull over," Hayes' attorney, John Fuller said, per CBS. "My client trailed behind this person in an effort to get their license plate number. My client also called 9-1-1."
According to Hayes' attorney, per USA Today, the case is much more complex than the police have made it out to be as he points to Hayes calling 911 after being hit and convincing a witness to stay and speak with police.
