The Latest: Judges hear arguments for killer of ex-NFL star


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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Latest on an appeal court hearing in the case of Cardell Hayes, convicted of manslaughter in the 2016 death of former New Orleans Saints star Will Smith (all times local):

4:30 p.m.

A lawyer says a manslaughter conviction should be overturned for the man who fatally shot retired New Orleans Saints Star Will Smith in 2016.

Louisiana's 4th Circuit Court of Appeal heard arguments Wednesday in the case of Cardell Hayes.

Hayes is serving a 25 year sentence for killing Smith and wounding Smith's wife during a confrontation following a traffic collision.

Hayes insisted he fired in self-defense.

Among defense attorney Paul Barker's arguments is that someone living in the area of the shooting contacted the defense after trial to say he believes he heard two guns fired at the time Smith was killed.

Prosecutors say there were no witnesses or physical evidence to indicate Smith ever held or fired a gun.

The appellate judges did not indicate when they would rule.

___

8 a.m.

A Louisiana appellate court is set to hear the case of Cardell Hayes, convicted of manslaughter for fatally shooting retired New Orleans Saints star Will Smith.

Hayes insisted he shot Smith in self-defense after Smith grabbed a gun and fired as the two argued following a 2016 traffic collision. No one else testified Smith held a gun. A handgun was found loaded but unused in Smith's car.

Hayes is serving a 25-year sentence.

Arguments before Louisiana's 4th Circuit Court of Appeal were set for Wednesday afternoon. An immediate ruling was not expected.

Hayes's attorneys say a judge should have granted a new trial because a witness who contacted the defense a day after Hayes' conviction said he had heard two guns at the time of the shooting.

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