More than a week after former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot dead, police are still investigating.
CNN  — 

While police investigate the shooting, the reserve officer who dined with him the night he died is temporarily off the force.

Capt. Billy Ceravolo, who retired from the New Orleans Police Department but still serves as reserve officer, has been removed from service pending the outcome of the investigation, police spokesman Tyler Gamble said Tuesday. That decision was made to protect the integrity of the investigation into Smith’s death, Gamble said.

Ceravolo also has another connection to the case: the suspect sued him in 2006. That lawsuit against Ceravolo and several other officers over the death of Cardell Hayes’ father was settled out of court, and authorities have said they don’t think the case has any link to this month’s shooting. But it’s a detail that drew attention to Ceravolo early in the investigation.

The latest police announcement is the most recent twist in a case that’s grown increasingly complicated with each detail that emerges. Here’s a quick a look at other developments from the last few days:

The investigation

The one-time defensive end for the New Orleans Saints was shot dead after an April 9 traffic crash. Hayes, 28, is accused of killing him after they “exchanged words” in the street.

Louisiana State Police say they won’t be taking charge of the investigation. That’s something the attorney for Hayes had requested, accusing local police of misconduct.

“We have every confidence that the (New Orleans) Police Department has the investigative expertise and capacity to fulfill its obligation of conducting an objective and professional investigation,” state police said in a statement over the weekend, according to CNN affiliate WDSU.

The state agency said it was supporting the investigation with forensics and DNA capabilities, CNN affiliate WGNO reported.

New Orleans Police have said they’re investigating the case thoroughly, just like they do any other homicide.

The trial

It’s not clear when a trial could start. The next court appearance for Hayes, who’s been charged with second-degree murder, is set for April 28. Hayes’ attorney argues he fired in self defense and is “legally not guilty.”

The funeral

The Saints held a public visitation for Smith last Friday. A private service was held Saturday. And a New Orleans-style second line sendoff in the streets served as a memorial for the former defensive end – and a protest of violence in the city, WGNO reported.

New Orleans violence ‘beyond the pale of reason and sanity’