Will Smith's widow testifies in murder trial: 'He didn't have to do that to my baby'

Racquel Smith, the widow of slain New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, testified Tuesday on the events of April 9, 2016, the night he lost his life.

She disputed the claim by the defense that Smith was the aggressor in the New Orleans road rage incident, per The Associated Press, and said "He didn't have to that to my baby," referring to accused murderer Carell Hayes.

Former Saints teammates of Smith's — Drew Brees, Steve Gleason, Roman Harper, Jahri Evans, and Deuce McAllister (who testified) — were present in the courtroom.

Hayes was charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder (accused of also shooting Racquel Smith) and aggravated criminal damage to property.

The 29-year-old tow truck company owner faces life in prison if convicted of murder.

Smith — who helped lead the Saints' defense to a victory in Super Bowl XLIV — and Hayes exited their vehicles after the latter's Hummer rear-ended the Smith's Mercedes SUV, but Racquel was confident she had defused the situation.

“I thought it was done and I think he thought it was over, too,” Smith testified. "I hear a pop, pop. I didn't think it was me."

Smith was describing the two gunshots that found their target — herself — before more bullets entered her husband's body.

“I didn’t do anything for you to shoot me,” she told Hayes on the stand.

Video showed Smith’s vehicle appearing to bump into the Hummer before it then slammed into Smith’s car. Hayes’ attorney, Jay Daniels, said Smith and friends he was traveling with in other cars were the instigators.

“Will Smith went to his glove box to get his gun,” Daniels claimed.

Assistant New Orleans District Attorney Jason Napoli said nothing corroborates the claim that Smith was retreating to his vehicle to obtain a gun.

Smith was shot once on the left side of his body and seven times in his back. Napoli stated evidence shows that Smith was facing Hayes when he was shot, and therefore, not reaching for a gun in his SUV.

“That isn’t even close to self-defense,” Napoli said. “That’s murder.”

Napoli acknowledged that Smith was intoxicated — toxicology reports indicated a .235 BAC —  but said it played no part in his murder. Attorneys from both sides have suggested Louisiana’s “stand your ground” law will be at issue with the defense claiming self-defense.

Jurors will be sequestered during the trial, which lawyers expect to last between seven and 10 days.