Cardell Hayes, the man accused of murdering former New Orleans Saints defensive star Will Smith, will stand trial Dec. 1, a judge ruled Wednesday (Nov. 2).
Criminal District Judge Camille Buras affirmed the date to begin jury selection in the high-profile case after prosecutors Jason Napoli and Laura Rodrigue and defense attorney Jay Daniels told the court they would be ready that day. Attorney John Fuller, who represents Hayes along with Daniels, did not attend Wednesday's hearing.
Fuller on Sept. 21 was granted permission to independently test for possible blood on the shirt of William Ceravolo, the retired New Orleans police captain who dined with Smith's party before the April 9 shooting and then arrived at the crime scene a short time after Smith was killed by eight gunshots near Sophie Wright Place and Felicity Street.