State police nix request to take over Will Smith death probe

NEW ORLEANS (AP) The head of Louisiana State Police has rejected a request to take over investigating the death of former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith.

The request was from John Fuller, attorney for 28-year-old Cardell Hayes, who's accused of gunning Smith down.

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

He says he's offered state police resources, including forensics and DNA testing, to New Orleans police.

Smith was shot in what city police call a road-rage incident.

His visitation was Friday at the Saints' practice facility in suburban Metairie (MET-uh-ree). A private funeral was held Saturday at a downtown theater.