(Photo: David Joles) The Byron David Smith killings occurred on November 22 (Thanksgiving Day), 2012, when Haile Kifer, 18, and her cousin, Nicholas Brady, 17, broke into the home of Byron David . The retired State Department employee claimed self-defense, a principal enshrined in Minnesota law. Try again later. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. A diagram detailing the victim gunshot wounds found on Nick Brady & Haile Kifer. By this stage he would only allow Mr Anderson into his home if he used a coded ring and knock the men had devised between them. He didnt tell them any of that he just didnt have them back.. Jurors saw autopsy results on the bodies of 18-year-old Haile Kifer and 17-year-old Nick Brady, including graphic pictures of their wounds. A close-up of the wound on the right side of his face was projected, as she explained the wound was large and irregular, typical of a re-entry wound. And I had to clean it up. Those papers, said Luberts, were scanned into the file at the Morrison County Sheriffs office. His brother described him as a retired security engineering officer. Smith waited until the next day to notify police of the shootings, claiming he did not want to bother the police on Thanksgiving. He had them chopping wood and clearing trees, using the tractor, odd jobs really. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Minnesota, U.S., Death Index, 1908-2017. Selena autopsy photo. The murders of Haile Kifer and Nicholas Brady occurred on Thanksgiving Day of 2012, when Haile Kifer, 18, and her cousin, Nicholas Brady, 17, broke into the home of 64-year-old Byron David Smith in Little Falls, Minnesota, in the United States. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Haile Elaine Kifer was born on October 17, 1994, in Little Falls, MN, the daughter of Jay & Jenny (Brady) Kifer. Error! When a photo of a handprint on top of a wooden box in Smiths room was shown, Luberts said that while he had observed the handprint, it looked more like a smudge than a regular hand-down handprint and he believed he didnt see enough detail to lift a print off of it. Chris Pleasance explains how Do not sell or share my personal information. This guy was WAY too excited to pull the trigger. The weekend before the killings Smith got in touch with a friend who was also director of Oakland Cemetery where his parents Ida and Edwin are buried. Pictures of Kifer in 2010 and 2011 show a bright, smiling girl who was a member of the swimteam, a keen cross country runner, a flag for the school marching band and part of the mixed choir. or anything. The retired State Department employee worked for Homeland Securities for 16 years. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. If you wish to write to us in regards to this matter, please be advised that we reserve the right to post your. The second of Bradys gunshot wounds catalogued was a grazing gunshot wound on his left thumb, what she described as an open kind of wound, with no indication of soot. First gun residue was collected. Who could hear how he shot them nine times in total carrying on relentlessly long after any threat had been discharged? Smith also suspected another neighbor and his son, but not Brady or Kifer or a group of teenagers. According to Sheriff Michel Wetzel, This was a case about where the limits are.. ), vacated on other grounds, 235 F.3d 1054 (8th Cir. Owned and operated by actor-screenwriter Carl Crew and Robert Ferguson, the venue primarily hosts underground musical groups, performance art, movie screenings and sideshow acts including burlesque and freak shows. The outhouse on his land was crammed with the fruits of his eccentric world shopping. Meshbesher asked whether a deceased body can continue to make sounds. We have set your language to Luberts also testified that he had not collected a shoeprint from the broken panel of the door, but that it was brought in by Smith Oct. 29, 2012. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Some clouds. Meshbesher asked whether the first gunshot wound sustained by Kifer incapacitated her and whether she would have still been able to move. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. "That audio recording of the actual killings and the audio recording of Mr. Smith's interview immediately after his arrest pretty much convinced me that we were dealing with a deranged individual. She was popular and kind, according to friends, well liked but latterly she had begun struggling with drugs. Based on that, Mills determined the gunshot that went into his brain was the final shot. He used to leave his door unlocked and he let those kids run in and out of his house that summer.. Suddenly it all seemed so vindictive, so planned, so far from random. I was doing my civic duty. Blaine/Spring Lake Park/Columbia Heights/Fridley Life, Mille Lacs Messenger/Aitkin Independent Age, County employees honored for years of service, UPDATED: Name of Little Falls woman killed in crash released, Little Falls address issue of late utility payments, Knitting the gift of love, one hat at a time. They went door to door and Byron hired three or four of them.. Prosecution rests after jury sees graphic autopsy photos and on fourth day of Smith murder trial By Terry Lehrke Apr 24, 2014 0 1 of 3 Haile Kifer Nick Brady Barb Byron Smith The state rested its case late Thursday, after testimony by several witnesses, including Dr. Kelly Mills, medical examiner with the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office. He shot a second time then delivered the fatal shot to his face. Wounded, she fell down the stairs, and Smith can be heard on the recording sarcastically saying "Oh, sorry about that," followed by Kifer saying "Oh, my God" very quickly; Smith shoots her again, multiple times in the torso, in the midst of which she screams "Oh, my God! Luberts testified he wrote a report in the Oct. 27 burglary of Smiths home, and that it appeared that Smiths things had been gone through in the house, with evidence that a person or persons who broke in were in several rooms of the house, both downstairs and upstairs. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. A system error has occurred. The audiotape did not record Kifer laughing; instead, she cries "Oh, my God!" But as the details of the crime emerged the groundswell of support that Smith, 64, initially enjoyed among many in the 8,300 community who had seen him as homeowner victim was rocked. Alberto Luperon Nov 1st, 2021, 10:03 am. [12][14] Bail was later set at US$50,000 (equivalent to $58,164 in 2021), which Smith posted. As Mills testified about the wounds found on Bradys and Kifers bodies during the initial autopsy Nov. 24, 2012, the prosecution projected large, graphic photos of the wounds taken during the autopsy. It didnt make any sense. Mills said she could determine three shots were fired during the audio when Brady could be heard. 0 cemeteries found in Todd County, Minnesota, USA. racist or sexually-oriented language. Meshbesher asked whether it was possible that Mr. Smith heard a post mortem sound when he told law enforcement he heard noise from Kifer after the fifth shot. Evidence photos of Byron Smith, sentenced to life in prison in Minnesota, USA for the murders of Haile Kifer, 18, and Nicholas Brady, 17, in 2012. An engineer by training, he worked installing security systems in embassies all over the world moving from South Africa, to Moscow, to Senegal, Bejing, Berlin and Cairo in a career that saw him gain top level security clearance. He said he didnt make a judgement of whether it was a print from a bare hand or a gloved hand. Luberts testified that he met with Smith in early November, when Smith gave him paperwork and a request for investigation pertaining to the items taken during the Oct. 27 burglary. He found himself searching for items he at first assumed he had mislaid but later came to believe had been stolen. The case has landed in a cultural fissure and became a cause clbre among the political right. Hed been doing that every day for weeks. Would you like to receive our breaking news? She repeated the procedure on his bare hands once the gloves were removed. [18], Hamline law professor emeritus Joseph Daly commented that the laws surrounding the case were dividing the Little Falls community. Harry slams press who took photos of Princess Diana as she lay dying. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Haile Elaine Kifer. Would they have seen Smith as the hunted rather than the hunter? This bullet traveled slightly front to back, left to right and slightly upward, Mills said. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Upon entering his home, Smith turned on a recording device he owned. very rapidly in fear. Mills said gun residue was visible on the glove. But according to Mr Anderson none of this history of service and bravery equipped him for the reality of a life under increasing pressure, threat and fear in his own home. Smith fired his first shot when he saw Nick Bradys hips on the stairs. We'd love to hear eyewitness "If a reasonable person would see if you are in fear of great bodily harm or death. The California Institute of Abnormalarts is a nightclub and sideshow museum located in North Hollywood, California. His right hand had gunpowder stippling, unburned gunpowder flakes that come out of the muzzle of a gun with the bullet, she said. The trajectory was determined to be through the internal thorax cavity, it damaged the lung, going from front to back, left to right and slightly downward. The trajectory of that bullet, Mills described as front to back, left to right and slightly upward. "[6] Hamline University School of Law professor Joseph Olson said, "I think the first shot is justified. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Smith then made taunting remarks to Brady's body, wrapped it in a tarp and dragged him into another room. Mills was unable to verify the time lapse between the shots fired at Kifer, but admitted she did recall that she was aware that Smith had said he shot Kifer under the chin. Haile Elaine Kifer. Some of you might think that sounds a lot like deer hunting, he said. Mills said she recovered a bullet from his brain. Last images of Nick Brady and Haile Kifer who were murdered after Little Falls, MN break-in. 7 Like Comment See more of Died in House on Facebook Log In or Create new account said Daly, arguing that summary execution is reasonable. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Once she is silent, Smith says simply ,B***., Of this, Mr Anderson can only say, The adrenalin kicked in I guess. It was just a glinted reflection from the nearby highway but Mr Anderson admitted to feeling a ripple of concern for his friends state of mind. Mills started with Kifers head, and identified a gunshot wound by her left eye as it was projected onto the screen. He had shot them when they entered his home 24 hours earlier. Choose wisely! The Ramsey County Medical Examiner testified that Kifer was shot six times and Brady three, and gave his opinion concerning which of the shots were fatal. [27], Under Minnesota state statute, "[R]easonable force may be used upon or toward the person of another without the other's consent when the following circumstances exist or the actor reasonably believes them to existwhen used by any person in lawful possession of real or personal propertyin resistingunlawful interference with such property[28], Another state statute states: "The intentional taking of the life of another is not authorizedexcept when necessary in resisting or preventing an offense which the actor reasonably believes exposes the actor or another to great bodily harm or death, or preventing the commission of a felony in the actor's place of abode. Minnesota Man Charged With First-Degree Murder For Shooting Burglar Teens Via NYDailyNews The bugged home of a Minnesota man recorded the chilling moments he encountered two teen burglars inside his house and appeared to take pleasure in shooting them dead. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. It comes down to, what would a reasonable person see in this situation for Mr. Smith shot Brady twice on the stairs, and once in the head after he fell to the bottom of the stairs. Mills said theoretically he could have used his left hand. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Bullet-riddled: Nick Brady, 17, and Haile Kifer, 18, were shot like 'vermin' by Smith, who had lain in wait for them in his basement. Add to your scrapbook. Share with Us. There was so much asked about why he did that as if it was just for those kids that day. . Finally, he went to the police. Smith, now 64, had only returned to his family home in Little Falls a couple of years earlier. Oscar Cainer tells all. Judge Douglas Anderson denied the motion immediately, and asked whether the defense wanted to make any other motions. I think Ive solved the break-ins, he said. ila fae dent obituary ila fae dent obituary. ODN. The direction of the wound was from front to back, left to right and slightly downward with no exit wound. I think its over. In a heartbeat Bill Anderson knew that something had happened - something bad. Persons with disabilities who need assistance to view the Public File should contact Brett Paradis at 320-763-3131. Iverson Insurance Cancellations and Delays, NWS says 3 to 7 inches of snow possible, roads could be slick, One person is injured over the weekend in crash in Douglas County, Woman from Brandon recovering from near fatal snowmobile crash, Swatting call comes in concerning AAHS, no threat found, Two are injured in crash along I-94 on icy roadways, Central Minnesota man accused of intentionally hitting a pedestrian, Slippery roads expected through this evening, freezing rain possible, One person is injured in crash Wednesday morning in Hudson Township, Is Minneapolis eating its way to dementia? Signup today! https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/158721829/haile-elaine-kifer. On Tuesday the jury convicted Smith on all counts of first degree premeditated murder. Little Falls, Motley, Pierz, Randall, Royalton-Bowlus, Upsala-Swanville, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Property and trees were damaged, doors kicked and windows smashed. [4] The audio recordings were named by the jurors as the biggest influence on their decision. Photo Books & Posters ; ProGenealogists ; Ancestry Academy ; Gift Memberships ; Ancestry Lab ; Heritage Travel ; Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Haile Elaine Kifer (1994 - 2012) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. Exactly 6 years ago, on November 22, 2012, Byron David Smith, 64, armed with a Ruger Mini-14, shot Nicholas Brady, 17 and his cousin Haile Kifer, 18. ", "Little Falls man describes 'finishing' teenagers with shots to heads", "Criminal Complaint: State of Minn. vs. Byron David Smith", "In Morrison County shooting case, Minnesota state law on trial", "Byron Smith Murder Trial Case Sent to Jury", "Grand jury indicts Byron Smith of first-degree murder in shooting deaths of 2 teens", "Defense requests mistrial for second day in a row in Smith double murder trial", "Court releases recording of Byron Smith gunning down teens", "Minnesota Supreme Court to hear Byron Smith's appeal", "MN Supreme Court upholds Byron Smith conviction", "Byron Smith's attorneys file federal appeal in Little Falls murder case", "Fairness and Precedent: Anastasoff v. United States, 223 F.3d 898 (8th Cir. He called Kifer a 'B**ch' in the audio tapes played to court. (Little Falls, MN) -- Day four of testimony yesterday (Thu) in the trial of Byron Smith, who is charged with first degree murder in the deaths of two teenagers in Little Falls. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Byron Smith, of Little Falls, faces first-degree premeditated murder charges in the deaths of 18-year-old Haile Kifer and 17-year-old Nick Brady on Thanksgiving Day in 2012. Jurors saw autopsy results on the bodies of 18-year-old Haile Kifer and 17-year-old Nick Brady, including graphic pictures of their wounds. Mills said in her line of work, the word homicide is made in reference to one human being killing another human being, not necessarily murder; it does not include intent, she said. A sixth gunshot grazed the web of skin on Kifers right hand between her thumb and index finger. She pointed out blood on his face and on the left side of his neck. Mills indicated that she used reports on the clothing of the deceased from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), but to determine sequence of the gun firing, she listened to the audio to determine when Brady stopped making vocal patterns. Oops, something didn't work. Brent Matzke, a BCA forensic scientist, provided information on DNA collected from items taken from the crime scene. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In Smiths bedroom, Luberts said he removed a fingerprint from the top of the night stand, that he later learned was not of sufficient quality to get a good print, but that it was still in evidence. He went upstairs, and 10 to 15 minutes later, he ran back down into the basement, reloaded his weapon and took up his previous position in the obscured chair. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. [12] Brady's sister claimed Brady stole drugs from her home on August 28, a case that was still under investigation at the time of Brady's killing. Who could hear him refer to the kids as vermin and not recoil? Do you feel think local law enforcement agencies should have an embedded social worker. He was convicted by a jury after three hours of deliberation and sentenced to life in prison. The state rested its case late Thursday, after testimony by several witnesses, including Dr. Kelly Mills, medical examiner with the Ramsey County Medical Examiners Office. Deputy Luberts said he was shown that the bottom panel of a basement walkout door had been kicked out and shown areas of the home that someone had ransacked, including a dresser in Smiths bedroom. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Mills said the cuts were in different stages of healing, with three on Kifers right forearms; seven on the back of her right forearm; 32 on the front of her left forearm and 14 on the back of her left forearm. "[29], According to another state statute: "In criminal trials, the court shall decide questions of law, except in cases of criminal defamation, and the jury shall decide questions of fact. Between 1969 and 1972 he served in the Air Force working on B 52 bombers and became a nine-times decorated officer who completed a tour of Vietnam. SAVECreate your free profile or log in to save this video. 'This is the most ridiculous thing I've seen!' Bright: Pictures of Kifer in 2010 and 2011 show a wholesome, smiling girl who was a member of the swimteam, a keen cross country runner, a flag for the school marching band and part of the mixed choir, Haile Kifer's last yearbook pic 2012 she would have graduated the following year. The T-shirt slogan was a reference to rapper and musician Wiz Khalifa who caused controversy by claiming to spend $10,000 a month on cannabis which he smokes daily. The moment Byron Smith answered the telephone it was clear that something had changed. Haile Elaine Kifer was born on October 17, 1994, in Little Falls, MN, the daughter of Jay & Jenny (Brady) Kifer. Within ten minutes he managed to reload. Healthy mother-of-two, 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class. Minnesota, U.S., Birth Index, 1935-2000. . He pointed out other states, such as Florida, have a "stand your ground" law, but Minnesota has what's known as a reasonable person doctrine. The great betrayal: How journalist Isabel Oakeshott leaked Matt Hancock's WhatsApps after they worked Don't just stick to the Malbec! Then said to him, Youre dead., Within 18 seconds he had the tarp ready to lay out and roll the body onto. 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