Jury selection begins in trial of man who shot teens to death in his home

LITTLE FALLS, Minn. - Jury selection began Monday in the murder trial of a rural Little Falls man who shot to teens to death in his home.

Byron Smith admitted in November 2012 to shooting two teenagers, Nick Brady and Haile Kifer, after the pair allegedly entered Smith’s home without permission.

Judge Douglas Anderson said the ultimate question in the case was whether Smith’s action in shooting the teens multiple times was within the scope of the law that allows individuals to protect their home with lethal force while preventing a felony from being committed and danger is perceived.

According to the prosecution and criminal complaint, Smith shot the teens in his basement on Thanksgiving Day.

A neighbor reported the possible shooting the next day and Smith told authorities he didn’t report the break-in right away because he didn’t want to disrupt their holiday.

Arguments in Smith’s trial are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. April 21.