MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) The Little Falls man, who is serving two life sentences without parole for the murder of two teenage burglars, has just refused his final appeal.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday issued its ruling on Byron Smith, who killed cousins Nicholas Brady, 17, and Haile Kifer, 18, on Thanksgiving in 2012 when they broke into his home. Smith claims self-defense, but a jury disagrees and convicts him on two charges of first-degree murder.
READ MORE: Byron Smith’s best friend: ‘All He Wanted Was Peace & Quiet’
Smith argued that he denied his constitutional right to a public hearing because the court was closed to spectators and the media for a short time before opening statements. The Supreme Court disagrees.
Byron Smith (Credit: CBS)
Smith claims he used reasonable force to defend his home after being the victim of several burglaries. According to prosecutors, he went beyond Minnesota’s “castle” law in the use of deadly force. Audio played during Smith’s trial, which he recorded during the murder in his home, revealed that he was sitting armed in his basement waiting for the teens to enter. He then mocked them after shooting them, and continued to shoot them beyond the point where they posed a threat to his safety.
READ MORE: ‘Castle Doctrine’ supporter: Smith’s actions go beyond protection
Smith is serving his sentence in the Oak Park Heights correctional facility.