Loaded Gun Found Inside Slain Football Player Will Smith's Car, Police Say

A fully-loaded 9 mm handgun was found inside slain NFL player Will Smith's car during a search conducted by police this morning, the New Orleans police said today.

A fully-loaded revolver was also found inside the suspected gunman's car, police said.

However, police said no bullet casings were found inside either vehicle and there was no ballistic evidence to show that either weapon was fired during the incident.

Smith was shot several times Saturday night and declared dead at the scene. His wife was also injured. A .45 caliber handgun was recovered on the scene that the suspect, Cardell Hayes, allegedly used in the shooting, police said.

Two other people, a man and woman, were in the car with the Smiths at the time of the incident and were not injured, police said today. A male passenger was also inside Hayes' car at the time of the incident. It was not clear who owned the gun found in Smith's car or the gun found in Hayes' car.

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Hayes' attorney John Fuller has claimed his client was not the only one with a gun. He also said that his client and others felt threatened, although it was not clear by whom.

"It would be safe to say that not only did my client feel threatened, but citizens that were out there in that block felt threatened, as well. And I think the unearthing of a second gun will lend itself to the defense of Mr. Hayes," Fuller said Monday.

On Sunday, a judge set bond for Hayes at $1 million. He did not enter a plea. Fuller said Monday that his client plans to plead not guilty.

Police said the incident began when Smith's car was hit from behind by a car driven by Hayes.   "The impact caused Smith to hit the rear of a grey Chevrolet Impala," police said, adding that two of Smith's friends were in the Impala and not injured.

Hayes and Smith "exchanged words," police said, and "during the argument, Hayes produced a .45 caliber handgun and opened fire, striking Smith and his wife."

Hayes was at the scene when police arrived and "identified himself as the shooter," police said today. Police said a .45 caliber handgun was recovered at the scene and casings from the scene matched. Hayes was arrested for second-degree murder.

Police said an additional charge for the shooting of Smith's wife is pending further investigation.

Police said today the investigation is ongoing.

Source: ABCN