Former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot 8 times and killed, including 7 shots in his back, according to the coroner's report.

Coroner Jeffrey Rouse, M.D., released the following statement today regarding the shooting of Smith.

"On Saturday, April 9th, William Smith suffered multiple gunshot wounds and expired at the scene of the shooting. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office was informed of his death, and the Coroner, the Chief Investigator, and the on-call Death Investigator attended the scene.

A forensic autopsy was conducted on Monday, April 11. Preliminary autopsy results revealed the presence of eight gunshot wound tracks. There were no other traumatic injuries observed.

Seven of these wounds were penetrating in nature, with projectiles recovered and no corresponding exit wounds. These bullet tracks had entrance into the left upper back (1), left mid-back (2), left lower back (3), and left lateral chest wall (1). Many of these bullets perforated vital organs, including the lungs and heart.

One of these wounds was a perforating wound, with both an entrance and an exit wound. This bullet entered the left upper back, traversed soft tissue, and exited from the right shoulder area.

Toxicological analysis will be performed to detect any substances in Mr. Smith’s system at the time of death. Results of these tests will be available in approximately six to eight weeks. Ballistic evidence obtained at autopsy will be forwarded to the New Orleans Police Department.

The death of Mr. Smith has been preliminarily classified as a homicide. As Coroner, I must stress that this classification is a medical determination. Questions of guilt or innocence, justifiable versus non-justifiable are matters that are decided by the legal system.”

Smith family attorney Peter Thomson met with the media today, giving his complete statement on what occurred late Saturday evening when Smith was shot and killed by Cardell Hayes.

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