No Bond Reduction In Smith Slaying

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A judge has refused to reduce the $1.75 million bond against the man charged with the second-degree murder of ex-New Orleans Saints star Will Smith.

An attorney for Cardell Hayes said Friday that he is not a flight risk, noting that Hayes did not flee and waited for police the night Smith was killed. Attorney John Fuller also said Hayes has made a strong case for self-defense.

Prosecutor Jason Napoli argued that evidence showed Hayes purposely rammed Smith's SUV before the shooting, after Smith had earlier bumped into the rear of Hayes' Hummer.

Napoli also noted that Hayes got out of his car, armed with a handgun, while Smith was unarmed.

Hayes told investigators he feared Smith was going back to his car for a gun.