Suspect in Smith shooting described as 'mild-mannered' guy (Yahoo Sports)

The man accused of gunning down former Saints defensive end Will Smith is a soft-spoken, respectful team leader who always calls older women ''ma'am,'' his pastor and his high school coach said. As Smith's family, friends and fans come to grips with the local favorite's death, those in Cardell Hayes' sphere were having trouble reconciling the man they've known with the accusations against him. Hayes, 28, is in jail with a bond set at $1 million, accused of firing eight bullets along the left side of Smith's back.