The Latest: No ruling from judge in ex-Saints star case

NEW ORLEANS – The Latest on a hearing in the case of Cardell Hayes, who is charged in the shooting death of retired New Orleans Saints star Will Smith (all times local):

10:20 a.m.

A judge says she wants to read a police report about the shooting death of retired New Orleans Saints star Will Smith that doesn’t have the names of witnesses omitted before deciding whether to release it to defence attorneys.

Defence attorneys told State District Judge Camille Buras on Wednesday that the redacted report makes it difficult to understand. Prosecutors say they have concerns about the safety of witnesses whose names are made public.

It was not immediately clear when the judge will announce her decision.

Cardell Hayes is charged with second-degree murder in Smith’s shooting in April, which occurred after a traffic accident in New Orleans.

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9:40 a.m.

A judge is meeting behind closed doors with prosecutors and defence attorneys for the suspect in the shooting death of retired New Orleans Saints star Will Smith.

At issue Wednesday is the identity of witnesses in the case. Lawyers for suspect Cardell Hayes say a police report they’ve received has the names of witnesses omitted — to the point that it’s hard to understand the report in some places. Prosecutors say they have concerns about the safety of witnesses whose names are made public.

State District Judge Camille Buras ordered everyone to her chambers to discuss whether the defence should have an un-redacted report.

Hayes is charged with second-degree murder in Smith’s shooting in April, which occurred after a traffic accident in New Orleans.

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8 a.m.

The suspect in the April shooting death of retired New Orleans Saints star Will Smith is expected back in court.

A discovery hearing is set for Wednesday morning, when evidence in the case against Cardell Hayes is likely to be discussed.

Hayes was indicted on a second-degree murder charge in Smith’s slaying. Hayes was also indicted on a charge of attempted second-degree murder in connection with the wounding of Smith’s wife in the shooting.

Police have said the shooting occurred after Hayes’s Hummer hit Smith’s Mercedes SUV from behind on the night of April 9.

Hayes’ defence lawyer, John Fuller, has said Hayes was not the aggressor and that a witness saw a gun in Smith’s possession. Police say a loaded gun was found in Smith’s vehicle.