Cardell Hayes Indicted for Second-Degree Murder in Death of Former NFL Player Will Smith
He was also indicted for attempted second-degree murder of Smith's wife.
— -- The man accused of fatally shooting former NFL player Will Smith in New Orleans earlier this month has been indicted on a second-degree murder charge.
Cardell Hayes was also indicted for attempted second-degree murder of Smith's wife, Racquel, who was shot in the leg on April 9, the day Smith died. Additionally, Hayes faces charges of aggravated damage to property and aggravated assault with a firearm, court records show.
The indictment came during a probable cause hearing scheduled at the same time today, and Hayes' bond was set at $1.75 million. More details on the indictment were not immediately available.
In a statement through their lawyer, Peter Thompson, Smith's family said they were "not surprised," but were pleased with the grand jury's decision to indict Hayes on the second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder charges.
"Although nothing can ease the pain this family is feeling, today was a step towards ensuring this cold-blooded murderer is held responsible for the actions that took the life of their husband, father and friend," Thomson said.
Racquel is still healing from her injuries, Thompson added.
Hayes' defense lawyer, John Fuller, did not immediately return ABC News' request for comment. Hayes pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Smith, who helped the New Orleans Saints win Super Bowl XLIV in 2010, died at the scene of the shooting after an apparent road rage incident in New Orleans' Lower Garden District. Thompson said Smith had been shot six to eight times in the back, while Racquel was shot twice in the leg reportedly as she exited the car in an attempt to diffuse the situation.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.