Will Smith's Death Will Not Be Investigated by Louisiana State Police

The Louisiana State Police have denied a request from John Fuller, Cardell Hayes' attorney, to take over the investigation into the death of former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, according to the Associated Press, via ESPN.com.

Hayes is accused of shooting and killing Smith after a traffic dispute.

Per the AP, "state police Col. Mike Edmonson wrote to Fuller on Saturday, saying he's confident New Orleans police can carry out an objective and professional investigation. Edmonson also says there's no legal basis for state police to 'expropriate' any criminal investigation within the city."

Surveillance video of the incident seems to show Smith's SUV rear-ending Hayes' Hummer, according to Jonathan Bullington of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. After Smith pulled away, Hayes followed Smith's vehicle before crashing into it a short time later.

The pair reportedly had an "intense argument" after that crash, per witnesses on the scene, and Hayes allegedly shot and killed Smith and wounded Smith's wife, Racquel, shooting her in each leg.

Fuller has said Hayes was not the aggressor in the incident.

Police found a gun inside Smith's vehicle, though they have said it was not fired and no shell casings from the weapon were found on the scene.

Smith spent nine seasons in the NFL with the Saints from 2004-12, accumulating 457 tackles, 67.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.