Will Smith death: Police suggest killing may not have been road rage incident

Police have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of the athlete's murder

Mr Smith wife, Racquel, was also injured in the incident (AP)

Police investigating the shooting death of a former American Football star are probing whether the attack was somehow linked to the death of the suspect’s father ten years ago.

Former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith Was shot and killed on Saturday night in New Orleans' Garden District after his car was rear-ended by a man who then got out of the vehicle and allegedly shot him.

On Sunday night, officials revealed that Mr Smith, 34, had been shot in the back and side. His wife was shot in the leg, though the injury was not considered to be dangerous.

Will Smith addresses the media at Super Bowl XLIV. (Scott Halleran/Getty)

Police have arrested Cardell Hayes, 28, on suspicion of murder. They said that Mr Hayes' Humvee H2 rear-ended Mr Smith’s Mercedes at around 11.30 pm on Saturday night. The two argued, and Nr Hayes allegedly shot both Mr Smith and his wife, Racquel.

Initially police said they thought the incident was a a road rage attack. However, it has emerged police are also poring over Mr Hayes’ history in a search for a possible motive.

Mr Hayes had reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit against police in connection with the death of his father in 2005. One of the officers named in the lawsuit was shown with Mr Smith and former Saints running back, Pierre Thomas, shortly before the Smiths were shot.

Lawyer John Fuller asked for a low bond at a court appearance on Sunday night, noting that Mr Hayes had waited for police, owns a towing business and is raising his 5-year-old son, the Associated Press said.

28-year-old Cardell Hayes (News Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office) (News Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office)

Magistrate Brigid Collins said she understood but, said: “I’ve also got a gentleman who was shot in the back.” Bail was eventually set at $1m

Online court records show Mr Hayes pleaded guilty in 2014 to one count each of possessing an illegal weapon and possessing drug paraphernalia.

The gun he had Sunday was legal, Fuller said, noting that police didn't accuse him of any weapons charge. Gamble said the gun hadn't been reported stolen, but tracing its actual history takes more time.

Mr Hayes sued the New Orleans Police Department and six officers after police killed his father in 2005. Police settled the lawsuit in 2011. The settlement is confidential, said lawyer Ike Spears, who represented Mr Hayes in that lawsuit.

Smith was celebrated by fans for his role in New Orleans’ 2009 Super Bowl championship. Off the field, Smith established a foundation “to motivate, educate and provide opportunities for women and children.”

The Smith family said in a statement Sunday that they were thankful for the outpouring of support but requested privacy as they grieved.