Defense lawyers argue Will Smith murder trial should not coincide with Saints season

Attorneys for the man accused of murdering former Saints defensive lineman Will Smith argued Wednesday that starting his trial on Sept. 20 might bias a jury against their client because it coincides with the onset of football season.

Defense attorney John Fuller noted that the scheduled start of the murder trial falls between a Sept. 18 game against the New York Giants and a Monday night game against the Atlanta Falcons.

That latter game, Fuller said, is likely to draw emotional commemorations for the 10th anniversary of the Saints return home following Hurricane Katrina, and a famous blocked punt by safety Steve Gleason in the first quarter that heralded the team’s return.

Smith made the Pro Bowl for the Saints that year.

But Fuller argued that any trial date in the fall could unfairly prejudice the jury against his client, Cardell Hayes.

Orleans Parish District Judge Camille Buras denied that request, at least for now, but said both sides could revisit the issue at a future hearing.

“I do not mind continuances when it’s based on reasons, either for complexity reasons or forensic issues that are outstanding,” the judge said. “I cannot in good conscience say I’m going to continue the case because it’s football season.”

To read the rest of the story, visit the New Orleans Advocate.

This story was originally published June 29, 2016 at 12:47 PM with the headline "Defense lawyers argue Will Smith murder trial should not coincide with Saints season."