The Tragic Thanksgiving of Haile Kifer and Nicholas Brady

A Chilling Encounter in Little Falls

On Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012, the tranquil town of Little Falls, Minnesota, was shattered by a chilling incident. What began as an ordinary day for the residents would soon become infamous for the tragic deaths of two teenagers, Haile Kifer, 18, and Nicholas Brady, 17. The cousins had made the fateful decision to break into the home of Byron David Smith, a 64-year-old retired security engineering officer who had worked for the U.S. State Department. What transpired in the basement of Smith’s home would ignite a heated debate on self-defense laws and put the community on edge.

A Retiree's Fear and Preparation

Byron Smith lived alone in his Little Falls home. According to his brother, Smith had been wary due to a series of burglaries he believed targeted his property. Although only one burglary had been officially reported, Smith claimed his home had been broken into multiple times. Stolen items reportedly included four thousand dollars in cash, his father’s POW watch, coins from a collection, and a chainsaw. In response, Smith took protective measures, including wearing a holstered gun inside his home, storing survival supplies in his basement, and installing a security system.

The Fateful Break-In

That Thanksgiving, Smith, after spotting Kifer driving past his house, prepared for what he suspected was another burglary attempt. He parked his car in front of a neighbor's house and returned home. Inside, he turned on an audio recording device, unscrewed light bulbs to darken the basement, and settled into an obscured chair, armed and ready. The surveillance captured Kifer and Brady casing the property before breaking a window to enter.

Brady was the first to descend into the basement. Smith shot him twice as he reached the stairs and delivered a fatal shot to the head after he fell. Smith then taunted Brady’s lifeless body, wrapped it in a tarp, and dragged it to another room. Smith reloaded his weapon and resumed his position in hiding.

Minutes later, Kifer entered, calling out for her cousin. As she descended the stairs, Smith shot her, causing her to fall. A chilling exchange was captured on the recording: Kifer's pained cries and apologies, Smith’s mocking retorts, and finally, a fatal shot next to her left eye. He dragged her body atop Brady's and fired a final shot under her chin.

Immediate Aftermath and Investigation

Smith did not report the killings immediately. It wasn't until the following day that he notified authorities of the events. Morrison County Sheriff Michel Wetzel confirmed that Kifer and Brady were in Smith’s home to commit a burglary, supported by evidence linking Brady to another burglary the previous night.

Smith’s statements to police were candid. He admitted to delivering final “clean finishing shots” to both teens after they were incapacitated, actions captured by his recording device. He described Kifer laughing, a detail not corroborated by the audio, where she is instead heard crying out in fear.

The Castle Doctrine Debate

This case soon became a flashpoint for debates over the "castle doctrine," which allows homeowners to use force, including deadly force, to protect their homes. Legal analysts agreed that Smith's initial shots might have been justified under Minnesota law. However, the excessive force used after neutralizing the threat was called into question. Sheriff Wetzel articulated, "The law doesn't permit you to execute somebody once a threat is gone."

Smith’s preparatory actions and recorded statements, including ominous musings such as “In your left eye,” prompted prosecutors to argue premeditation. They contended Smith anticipated the need for legal defense following the shootings, evidenced by another recording where he rehearses speaking to a lawyer.

Legal Proceedings and Trial

Smith was initially charged with two counts of second-degree murder, later elevated to first-degree murder in April 2013. His trial began on April 21, 2014, with defense attorneys Steven J. Meshbesher and Adam T. Johnson at his side. After a swift three-hour deliberation, the jury found Smith guilty on all counts of premeditated first-degree murder and second-degree murder. The audio recordings were pivotal, vividly illustrating the nature of the killings and influencing the jury's decision.

Jurors like Wes Hatlestad were particularly impacted, with Hatlestad noting, “That audio recording of the actual killings and Mr. Smith's interview immediately after his arrest ... pretty much convinced me that we were dealing with a deranged individual.”

Sentencing and Appeals

Smith received two consecutive life sentences without parole, plus an additional 80 years. Following his conviction, he appealed to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which upheld the ruling in March 2016. His subsequent federal appeal, citing a brief trial closure, was also denied by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. A final attempt to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was declined in March 2021. Smith remains incarcerated at Oak Park Heights Prison.

Conclusion

The tragic deaths of Haile Kifer and Nicholas Brady on that Thanksgiving Day have left a lasting impact on the Little Falls community and beyond. The case continues to provoke discussions on the boundaries of self-defense, the use of lethal force, and the legal responsibilities of homeowners.

Sources

For further reading and details, please refer to the original Wikipedia article: Byron David Smith killings