Homeowner Gets Life for Killing Teen Burglars

Was it self-defense or premeditated murder? That's the question at the heart of the bizarre Byron Smith case in Little Falls, Minnesota. Smith is on trial for first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of 18-year-old Haile Kifer and 17-year-old Nick Brady. Nancy Grace investigates.
Original airdate: May 2, 2014
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[@sandevieira5674]

It's hard to feel sorry for 2 teens who died while breaking into a seniors house. They'd be alive if they'd stayed home eating turkey.

[@chrisjohnson2771]

Oh you're funny you wouldn't be saying the same thing if those were your family members

[@JellyfishJosh1]

It's hard to feel bad for that guy going to prison too.

[@drifter9571]

@@JellyfishJosh1 i would feel the same way

[@dsimon33871]

@@chrisjohnson2771 What makes you think that family members typically would rob someone's home? If my kids did this and were killed while I would feel dreadful and perhaps begrudge that the person took liberties, I would have to acknowledge that it was my kid's responsibility that gave the person this opportunity. When you do something dangerous and stupid since when is there a guarantee someone will retaliate like a model citizen? This generation... I swear lol. Who the hell is so self entitled as to think they can demand that when they have blood on their hands the victim has a responsibility to make sure they use just enough force? You set yourself up when you break into houses!! Its your responsibility not to do such things.

[@acroyerx1193]

It's not hard to feel sorry for them, unless you're a sick f**k like this murderer and are looking for an excuse to take human lives when you really did not HAVE to. And they didn't "die while breaking into a seniors house"; they died AFTER breaking into his house as he WATCHED them break in on his surveillence cameras, then waited to ambush them.

[@sheehy933]

It's the thought I want every home invader to have in the back of their mind, "there may be someone inside who will shoot me dead".

[@chrisjohnson2771]

Would you be saying the same thing if those were your family members?

[@sheehy933]

@@chrisjohnson2771 Yes I would. People make choices. Sometimes they live and die by those choices. Family or not, they initiated the chain of events that unfolded. One of my brothers died of a fentanyl overdose last year. I found him in his apartment dead. A police officer asked me if I wanted them to find out who sold it to him and charge them, I told him if that's what they want to do go right ahead but don't do it on my account. My brother made a choice, he knew the risks, he died from his choice. It sucks, but I can only be angry at him for putting himself in that position. It's called personal responsibility.

[@dialac1]

@@chrisjohnson2771 yes I would. You probably have thieves in your family. I have friends and family who have been victims of break ins. It’s horrible.

[@mtmc823]

@@chrisjohnson2771 YES, IF THEY WANT TO BE THEIVES AND BURGLARS, pay the penalty

[@michaelschlager2808]

Why do they keep showing photos of the two burglars smiling and innocent looking and never show the video of them breaking into this guy's house?

[@ruffadamsthegreat.2662]

Good catch. They intend to control & shape the way we view this tragedy. Media does this all the time.

[@user-bs9ze4kj2p]

Because they were nice kids & parents could only imagine such great prospects for their future lives. Really good kids!

[@gondolin12]

@@user-bs9ze4kj2p really ? why were they in another person’s property without his consent? I don’t care what parents claim. I only look at facts qnd facts say old man got robbed of his human rights

[@gokukakarot309]

Because that's what they do when the culprits/victims are white. They do whatever they can to humanize them. That's the only reason this guy got charged and convicted. If they were black you would've seen black and white photos photoshopped to look like mugshots. To make them look "gangster" or more guilty. You know to dehumanize as much as they can.

[@bobbyjenkinsjr.397]

Because they are trying to weight the article against Smith. It gets more views. I’ve seen similar articles and videos where they show pictures of the person as a child while talking about their crimes. It makes them look less culpable.

[@vladimir0700]

I guess the moral of this story is, if you don’t want to die, don’t break into someone’s house

[@bmc868]

The moral of this story is that good win over bad and America is a mess putting Mr. Byron in jail. It's a shame.

[@aikibaby]

If you don't want to go to prison, don't execute an 18 year old girl.

[@bmc868]

@@aikibaby They were robbing the home of Mr. Smith.

[@ohioh111b111y]

@@aikibaby The 18 yr. old would probably be in prison for robbery, breaking and entering, trespassing if the owner wasnt scared and protecting his home. The old man shouldnt go to prison.

[@Ingrid922]

@@aikibaby And a 17 year old boy. Both of whom were unarmed.

[@Iconoclasher]

If the cops arrested the "kids" like they should have, this wouldn't have happened.

[@goughaway52]

The chance you take when you break into someone's home.

[@yewy100]

Your damn right

[@ProphetZacJohnston]

👍

[@raifcluster]

Agreed. And the worst part is that the house they chose was occupied by an unstable Michael Meyers (see 1978 movie Halloween) type character. They did not deserve execution, but their stupidity cost them their lives, justified or not. They would still be alive today if they had just stayed home and played a game of chess.

[@davonbooker2752]

.

[@ohioh111b111y]

@@raifcluster their illegal actions caused their death. No one invited them in the yard, No one invited them on the porch, in the garage, in the back door, or DOWN into the basement.

[@c.w.6794]

Even as a teenager I knew better than to break into someone's home knowing there was nothing in a home worth my life....

[@kathyh4804]

But these days, thieves know they CAN!!! Nothing will happen to them! We need to get rid of these judges, politicians that don’t protect the people! Vote them OUT!

[@sunmoonstars0369]

@@kathyh4804 the news is full these days of homeowners shooting the theives. People are sick and tired of the bs and taking matters into their own hands.

[@davidfrance6997]

Anyone taking sides with CRIMINALS are criminals themselves... People like you are why trash like these teens exist!!! ***Reply not meant for original comment...

[@davidfrance6997]

@Lou Ellen no ma'am... Just tired of the lawlessness in this country because criminals want to act like victims...

[@davidsmalley3387]

They got what they deserved these idiots breaking into his home

[@hanabku2175]

Lesson learned: Don't break into anyone's home. It just might be owned by a terrified, mentally unstable person, who has every right to kill you.

[@alienprepper5918]

Exactly

[@stephanwatson7902]

Yes, but this time he wasnt terrified, he was a narcissist. If he was terrified, he'd have had police on the phone when he saw the intruders and wouldn't have been waiting patiently, literally setting a trap. And then gloating and executing the dying teenager, he just shot, like an animal. Then him calling dumb teenagers "vermin" after, also points to his mindset towards them. Maybe you didn't listen to his tape, he was thrilled and and pleased with himself after; thought he had a free pass to kill people who wronged him. What was it "Go die bitch" to a little teenage girl who is bleeding out... yeah real terrified

[@heithwatkins]

@@stephanwatson7902 Would that be the same police that "stand down" as terrorists burn, loot and murder all across America.

[@Fucktheworld14020]

@@stephanwatson7902 if someone broke into your house 12 times with the police obviously being useless you might find you have to do the job yourself yeah he did over do it but maybe don’t break into someone’s house and you might not be killed

[@allencollins9951]

Why do you think he has to be in fear hard working people work hard for what they have maybe he was tired of getting his things stolen that he worked for his whole life what gives these punks the right to steal his valuables just to give to a drug dealing thug

[@Mr.Thinker-]

Moral of the story: don't be a POS and don't break into people's homes PERIOD

[@sabineeins2651]

...or vomit....

[@-jovoc]

"he was waiting for them"... that alone tells of the trauma this guy has been put through by these repeat criminals. They didn't just steal his stuff, they stole his peace of mind.

[@Ingrid922]

Those two unarmed teenagers were not the same people who had been robbing him over a long period of years. They had stolen nothing. They did break in and enter. Then were executed.

[@mtmc823]

@@Ingrid922 DOSEN'T MATTER , THEY BROKE IN, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD BE HOME SAFE TODAY

[@whitewolf8644]

@@Ingrid922 tough shit. They themselves decided to go and break into a man’s house that has already been robbed numerous times. Wrong place, wrong man imo. If they weren’t there, they wouldn’t have been killed.

[@patron2022]

The interview lady said: “Byron, showed them no mercy!” 🤦🏻‍♀️ Well these punk thieves never showed him a retired war veteran any type of mercy for his personal home & items!! They continuously took & took from him til he couldn’t take it anymore!! An eye for an eye 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@janeaparis]

When you break into someone's home, that is the chance you take. I can understand the old man's fear. It is a violation to break into someone's home, repeated violation causes crazed fear. Elderly man was fearful, crazed, and victimized. The teens were in the wrong, they violated him and they broke the law.

[@joelsommer5765]

I totally get how he would have been afraid after so many times of having burglaries done to him. But they argued in court that he has surveillance cameras and when he saw those kids walking towards his home, he didn't call 911. If he would have called 911,he should have easily argued that he was in fear for his life and s just hiding in fear in the basement. But he didn't do that so to them it wasn't fear, but revenge that drove him to do that. Now saying that, here's a good tip: DON'T BREAK INTO PEOPLES HOME. THERE'S A HIGH CHANCE YOU WON'T WALK OUT ALIVE.

[@chubsley2000]

@@joelsommer5765 not defending the batshit crazy homeowner, but he probably has called 911 multiple times if this was like the 12th or 13th time someone broke into his home

[@truth4004]

He's not scared did you watch the video dippy?

[@janeaparis]

@@truth4004 You need to call names to try to win your viewpoint? Buufus? Dapster? How do you know what his level of fear was? Was there a fearometer there? That is your take. The point is they broke the law. If they were two middle aged black men would the reaction be the same? I think when you are in the commission of a violent crime (breaking windows, stealing weapons, damaging property, and terrorizing someone, etc...) it is hard to say but...but what, you broke into someone's house with intent to do whatever, who knows what, then you take that chance. There are really two wrongs here. I will grant you that, however I feel for a person who was repeatedly violated by individuals who had no respect...and when thugs are in someone's home you don't know what their intent is. You are in fear. It is not like he carded them at the door. They stole his weapons, they broke windows, as I said they took that step. Oh, but they were only robbing a house, and who knows what else they might have done if they had the chance? They are kids, yes, even kids, who are drug addicts break into people's houses and kill the for no reason. They initiated what happened.

[@janeaparis]

I find it interesting how they highlight certain replies, and the responses cannot be seen. I find that one sided.

[@robertwadas]

Girl hears gunshots.. continues to walk in house calling out loud " nick, Nick..." Shows intelligence level. He was sitting between bookshelves and a chair.. could he may have been ... reading ?????

[@starcrossedvoyager]

These thugs terrorized this man by breaking in to his home (a place where he should feel safe) multiple times. He did the neighborhood a favor.

[@rvingkeepitrolling8797]

Yes but he messed up when he didn't call the law and shot her again when threat was gone. I do think the sentence was to much.

[@Rainy_Day12234]

You have a right to defend yourself from intruders.

[@tanabanana8535]

Clearly you need to check your eyes and ears and watch the video again. Man you need more help and just as much time as this old man if you think that's defending yourself.

[@kleeamd8274]

​​​@@tanabanana8535 Maybe check ur own eyes first. These thieves broke into his house multiple times, over and over and the police did NOTHING. He was a war veteran who suffered from severe trauma & ptsd, which these multiple break-ins compounded and exacerbated. Where's the sympathy for him? Instead u are crying over 2 dirtbags

[@darellbell605]

It sounds like Halie saying I'M SORRY

[@tonyhelton2788]

I think it is obvious that this man had completely gone off the deep end and had reached the point of no return. Looks like he executed these burglars. This should be a warning to other young people who think about burglarizing someone's home! It is not worth losing your life.

[@davidfrance6997]

If their parents were held accountable for how their children behaved, like the owners of pitbulls, then maybe there would be less criminals...

[@johnathanmiller3033]

That's a good point .

[@paulhercules1740]

Wisdom

[@77chevy4x4]

Yep 👍. What stupid human sticks his head into a wild lions mouth!?! Treat a home as such. A country sleeps better tomorrow

[@davefranco1473]

If only! 🙄

[@mpalfadel2008]

The homeowner was pronounced guilty That sounds about right to me Manslaughter is manslaughter Cheers

[@bajadan2769]

They stole his war medals and STILL insisted on breaking in AGAIN-- had they stolen my guns and war medals I would probably do the same ....

[@pathemeleski]

There isn't any evidence these are the SAME intruders. He said the break-ins started 12 years earlier, by the same people. The kid who was shot was 17. So, they broke into the guy's house when they were FIVE?

[@paul8392]

He probably had PTSD from the war, and paranoia from all these break-ins. Plus to top it all off he is a senior. Totally understandable why he would do this. Can't imagine how much mental anguish he was experiencing.

[@gondolin12]

@@pathemeleski who cares. they were trespassing without consent.

[@tanabanana8535]

You have no.proof that was them. Stop making up lies and spreading them for attention

[@mariemelendez917]

I agree

[@phildown99]

Don't go into peoples' houses

[@1DangerMouse1]

That should be the main message here.

[@maxrey4055]

Dont bait and then kill people when it is not necessary. The Law is the Law...

[@TheGoat-dn4hx]

@@maxrey4055 in my state that is perfectly legal. Stand your ground

[@maxrey4055]

@@TheGoat-dn4hx Not this one buddy and many people in your state have gone to jail claiming they were standing their ground when in fact they were not. I can tell when people actually don't watch the video. The guy literally taped his own premeditated murder confession.

[@moreofawave]

@@maxrey4055 Look what the man did was WRONG but he didn't bait anyone. His house had been broken into dozens of times and he was sick of it. STILL NOT JUSTIFIED but my point is he did not bait them. Baiting them would have been letting them know he would be gone from home and then waited for them.

[@behzadahmad8818]

Maybe the lawmakers should make harsher laws against actual criminals which may have prevented this situation. I also do not like the lady degrading the man who has experienced multiple break ins where he could’ve been killed all those times.

[@rc3291]

I can't see the first degree murder charges. He didn't lure those two into his home to kill them. They found someone that really hates burglars and was ready for them.

[@PashaandDrosha]

If he didn't have those tapes he would've gotten off those charges. I guess never put your intentions on record if you intend to kill someone.

[@iy4563]

He was definitely ready for the assignment.

[@coffeechi1869]

The parents blaming the home owner. They raised thieves. Who is to blame?

[@predig1671]

Your right but he's still fucking crazy.

[@aceboogie2984]

@@predig1671 Welp, that's why you don't break into people's homes! You don't know if they're crazy or not...

[@predig1671]

@@aceboogie2984 Stay the fuck out of people's homes that was my 1st statement. He still is crazy as hell that doesn't change so my statement is what it is.There fault they broke into the wrong dudes house.

[@davidfrance6997]

My thoughts EXAAAAAACTLY... Their parents are to blame for not raising decent kids, so where's their accountability???

[@dirkdiggler9379]

@Rachael Harcus incompetent DEAD thieves 😂😂😂

[@mrdrenalin69]

If they were such good kids, why did they break into this man’s house?

[@stephenpoole5331]

Because they weren't?

[@mannyechaluce3814]

@@stephenpoole5331 The Teens did, they were not invited

[@bobbydigital5236]

two wrongs dont make a right. he went beyond self defense when he executed them. he should have called the cops and an ambulance.

[@ohioh111b111y]

@@bobbydigital5236 Do you think the teens would have called the cops and ambulance if they had killed him?

[@billlincolnmd9159]

Is it possible they were checking on him? This guy was under no threat. There was no reason to kill them. Plus maybe he invited them in for nefarious reasons. Fry this murderer!

[@TheMagnificentGman]

A man's home is his sanctuary. No mercy for anyone who breaks in

[@kubel83]

That is true. HOWEVER. Executing hitman style AFTER the threat was over was wrong. There is a line between defense and murder.

[@davidrichards4758]

@@kubel83 Kids today don’t get spanked all we have done to our selfs is create little 👿 👹👿 monsters look at all the kids who kill Adults , when we were young you never heard of kids burying people alive just because they are 💪 stronger

[@sharpedge3355]

its funny to surmise that he was supposed to wait there to see what they would do to him instead? Madness. Once they entered, it was fair play.

[@traciemartin3785]

@@kubel83 Exactly. He had a right to defend his property/himself, so once he saw them outside through his cameras, he should've immediately called the police. Once they entered & he was able to debilitate them & they were no longer a threat, he should have held them at gunpoint until the police arrived. There were other ways he could've handled this situation that would not have required him to murder.

[@fabianroberts5041]

@@kubel83 there's no HOWEVER. None of this happens if they don't break in to HIS HOME. They caused this

[@notawinemom8540]

If anything, I felt even worse for this old man after hearing him talking to himself. Obviously he had some kind of nervous breakdown after being terrorized for months. What are the odds that so many different people broke into the same house? It was obviously the same guy over & over again. I can't believe he was found guilty.

[@jimaguirre5799]

All burglars are vermin. The homeowner sounds to me like he was in fear, and that fear, coupled with living alone is the reason why he spoke his thoughts. People who live alone speak their internal monologue. It's strange, but true.

[@marvewlesmcrae3509]

Agreed! You could hear him expressing the thoughts if trauma, fear, and people that live alone. Very telling.

[@vickilark2608]

I'm sorry he's a nutcase, but these robbers pushed him to the edge. Not one or 2 breakins, but multiple times, and probably not just his home.

[@truth4004]

So he said.

[@wuslon8]

You realise that according to him the breakins started 12 to 15 years ago, when those teens would have been toddlers? This guy clearly is a nutcase and murderer and he most definitely belongs in jail.

[@dialac1]

@@wuslon8 maybe it was different robbers. Have you thought of that?

[@genjaxx1463]

@@wuslon8 If you are convicted in your belief that it's ok to break into peoples houses then give me your address.Don't pussy up.

[@tanabanana8535]

@@dialac1 she said that, you replied to the wrong person

[@gringofilet474]

They had no business breaking into the man's home! He's the victim here. He was home minding his own business.

[@eyasulegesse6208]

come on man he had her incapacitated he did not have to kill her manslaughter at worst

[@gringofilet474]

@@eyasulegesse6208 He was burgarlarized 14 times. Enough is enough! Play with fire you are bound to get burned. If the cops had been doing ther job this would have never happened.

[@briank1263]

My step Dad used to trap raccoons with food. Instead of relocating them he would shoot them in the head and throw them in the woods... I know intent changes things. It is crazy people are so hateful these days. This man was NOT scared. He wanted this.

[@ariefraiser140]

He executed them. Even if you were a cop chasing a murderer....You don't get to put your gun under the guy's chin and pull the trigger after you've neutralized the threat. That's cold blooded murder at that point and there's really no ambiguity there.

[@gringofilet474]

@@ariefraiser140 LOL! You live in La La Land. Cops do that all the time. That's why all the people are protesting. I would say "Get a life!" , but you would first need a brain.

[@twstf8905]

Omg "This doesn't happen in our community." she says lol CLEARLY that's not true.

[@allencollins9951]

Not any more lol

[@pa1060]

Do people still say that….

[@kccain4011]

Uhmm, yeh maam..it definitely does.

[@broeheem2804]

How is it first-degree murder when he would have to know exactly when they were going to smash his window and burglarize his house?

[@JB-gu1wf]

If you don’t think this was premeditated murder you have no clue about the law lmao

[@tessabiggs2917]

I refuse to live in fear in my own home. So I understand his fears and reactions

[@jazminmiller1071]

And now he’s taken from his home because he was protecting it

[@tessabiggs2917]

@@jazminmiller1071 it’s all so sad.

[@gypsy8961]

This should be a reminder to thieves.... someday, you're gonna pick the wrong house

[@oo7-ro6bu]

Don't break into other people's homes.

[@1DangerMouse1]

That should be the main message here

[@dr1flush]

You don't get to be judge jury and executioner when someone breaks into your home. Y'all are really stupid if your only take away from this that you shouldn't do a b&e. You shouldn't murder and you shouldn't defend someone doing life for dbl homicide. You should probably actual read the castle doctrine law because you can't just shoot trespassers fyi

[@toadaytomorrow8029]

“Hidden in wait”says Nancy. No shit, after being robbed 14 times , I’m surprised he didn’t shot more times. I’d be scared and pissed.

[@tyjohnson7327]

ROBBED 14 TIME AND NOT KILLED UMM YEA THAT CALLS FOR MURDER

[@heithwatkins]

People may be "waiting" for me to break into their house everytime I walk up the street. I have no problem with that. Because I am not going to break into their house. 🤣

[@electiangelus]

Id have emptied the gun. Then grabbed the other one and kept shooting.

[@tyjohnson7327]

@@electiangelus and another nut job

[@vhead612]

He should’ve called police when he seen them scaling his house! Does nobody see that?

[@a.wanderer5006]

I was a naughty teen heavily, lacking in parenting, but never in a million years would i break into someone's house. Not only because it's bad, but in America that will definitely get you shot.

[@dialac1]

Anytime I hear “this doesn’t happen in our community”, I facepalm

[@lorir5728]

How about not breaking into a persons home? Honestly, he didn't know if they may hurt him at some point. If I break into someone's home and get shot it is My fault. It's like going into the ocean and suing a shark that bites you

[@MariannaBanana19]

Yes! You are correct!

[@janeaparis]

I agree.

[@KarenKSmith-tm2kp]

Great anology 👍🏽

[@lisaangelo3220]

@Rachael Harcus I agree....what is wrong with these people. This home owner is a wack job and that's perfectly clear on the audio. I bet if that old nut would have just held the gun on the kids and called 911 everyone would be OK now. INSTEAD.....he's got some tough prison mates scaring the hell out of him...and that kinda makes me happy.

[@JB-js4xi]

They broke in on a total nut and he did his total anti social nut thing on them. They chose to break in that house...they got a crazy with a gun.

[@JohnRusso007]

Lesson to learn: Don't break into people's homes it could cost you your life.

[@ceilconstante7813]

Over 65. Possible PTSD. Has has his home & valuables burglarized in the past. He acted out of fear and anger. EVERYONE should feel safe in their home! Especially a senior Veteran. Don't break into people's homes!

[@KingOfKings1000yrs]

Valuables are replaceable hence insurance....young life's are not! They where kids, kids do stupid things they shouldn't get slaughtered for a bad decision..overkill comes to mind that old fart won't worry about his pathetic trinkets inside

[@FarmerFamily10]

@@KingOfKings1000yrs did you read the PTSD part? Do you know anything about that? At all? I’m assuming you have google. Look into it.

[@KingOfKings1000yrs]

@@FarmerFamily10 it's post trauma..which he may or may not have suffered from, did you hear his recordings? He was out baying for blood and he damn well made sure he got it on two bloody kids! Don't expect any pity for him when he was so lacking in any pity for them. Them kids to him where vermin. Overkill on teenagers who had no weapon's.

[@The3rdTurd]

@@KingOfKings1000yrs from the perspective of the homeowner, in that moment you'd have no idea who they are or if they intend to also hurt you in addition to stealing; you don't even know if they are armed this time or not. In one of my old apartments, there was a guy that was kicking people's door in to steal, which is why I ultimately moved from that apartment. (oddly enough he worked alone; usually it's at least 2 or 3 people trying to break into a place, maybe with 1 staying in a getaway car at the ready) Home invaders get what they *deserve* in stories like this, even if they are young teens. Even that early in life, people generally know better. It goes far beyond a typical "stupid kid mistake" like cheating on a test or bullying another kid for laughs. The only thing I see as a problem here is that he waited so long to call anyone about it. I'd agree he should have called 911 right away.

[@MariannaBanana19]

Amen!

[@SM-qc3zx]

Moral of the story is "Don't F*CK with CRAZY."

[@Purplexity-ww8nb]

Back in the late '70's, I was home on leave from the US Navy. My mother had recently moved to a new house in a neighborhood with homes that looked very similar. I came home late one night after a few drinks with some old buddies. I pulled into what I thought was my mother's driveway, went up to the front door, opened the unlocked door, took a few steps in, then realized I was standing in the middle of the living room of someone else's home. The horror I felt as I realized someone was sleeping in that dark home while I, a complete stranger, was standing in the middle of their living room froze me for a few seconds. Luckily, I came to my senses and was not confronted by the homeowner and was able to leave unnoticed. I still shudder at the thought of all the things that could have gone wrong that night.

[@jdc8352]

My friend did that while drunk. He slept on a strangers couch thinking it was his friend's couch. Lucky for him he woke up early enough in the morning to realize what he'd done and got out before anything bad happened. Not good. Sketch AF....

[@JB-js4xi]

If they hadnt broken into the old man's house to steal his belongings, they would not be dead. Yes...he is nuts but we allow nuts to live among us now so I dont have a problem he killed the burglars. But he is crazy and if he had just been a sweet little old lady what would have happened to her? Nope. They got exactly what they deserved.

[@ruffadamsthegreat.2662]

*And what the ASKED for.

[@stephenmurray2867]

When the rats keep causing damage to your house, you kill them. After numerous break ins this is how he felt. Pest control.

[@iy4563]

That was some fire ass pest control. He knew the assignment and executed it thoroughly.

[@Kiki-yw9kc]

Do NOT break into people's home, release him immediately

[@JellyfishJosh1]

He is where he belongs. Keep sociopaths out of society, maybe you should be in there too.

[@Kiki-yw9kc]

@@JellyfishJosh1 God you are so angry, who hurt you?

[@factsmatter1172]

They had no business in his home stealing from him. He was tired of being a target and more than likely felt he saved the world from these two. Poor man had had enough. These generations are so rotten that he simply made sure not to have this problem again.

[@rocksolid6494]

Notice how Smith's picture looks grizzled and the brats pictures make them look like angels.

[@kevinmalone3210]

The media is good at doing this to give you a skewed picture of how things really are.

[@chattingesque372]

like sweet little Trayvon

[@andre223nvo]

@@chattingesque372 sukdic trayvon wasnt wrong,they were fuc them too

[@thomashazlewood4658]

My home was broken into ONCE. He broke a window and walked through the house, breaking a few things. Never caught. And, long before that, a stranger had simply walked into my house through an unlocked front door, in the early afternoon. He hurriedly retreated back out when I headed straight for him in full offensive mode. I have a wife and children to protect! Now, every day and night I'm checking to make sure the doors and windows are locked. It's ALWAYS on my mind. That poor guy had been burgled a dozen times or more. I can't imagine the level of his paranoia. I would say 'Too bad I wasn't on his jury' but, of course, I'd have been rejected from the jury by the prosecutor because I'm BIASED by my experience.

[@pafena]

That is so scary to look up and someone's in your home, I have goosebumps.

[@pollywaffle79]

Yeah, don't burgle houses but Byron was clearly unhinged

[@JB-gu1wf]

They made a movie after this. Don’t Breathe

[@juliekelley5255]

He absolutely had every right to protect himself and his home. It had happened numerous times before. Of course he was angry. It's his home his life. Not okay for anyone to come break into your house anytime you want. Anyone who feels free to go break into someone's house should know there's a danger of being killed

[@peggyreely8339]

How about calling 911 and not lying in wait for teenagers making a foolish choice?

[@teaches2010]

@@peggyreely8339 probably screaming to defund the police in the next video!!

[@juliekelley5255]

Pretty sure he went down that route at least half dozen time's. Obviously it didn't do any good. For all he knew. These two were the ones who previously stole his guns

[@peggyreely8339]

@@teaches2010 You know nothing about me and I know nothing about you other than you just painted me with a wide brush . Peace

[@teaches2010]

@@peggyreely8339 take it easy karen. I know plenty about you by your calling 911 reply. Any idea what is actually involved in a shooting? Any idea what adrenaline does to a human body? It's not the movies.

[@J_D_B4379]

This man definitely saved lives by taking those two. Just imagine how many people those two would have negatively affected if they had lived to 55

[@threatassessment606]

They eventually were gonna to turn it around right?

[@ileanamuntean7338]

Indeed, plus they would have given birth to even more trash.

[@Neotype33]

Perfect case where when you value other people's stuff more than your own life and they agree with you...

[@devonlindsay5784]

For a straight A student you'd think he'd be smart enough to not break into a strangers home and try to steal something.

[@billdouglas6561]

yes , my thoughts exactly !!!

[@theia1653]

I doubt he was. A real straight A student would plan it out to meticulous detail.

[@xys7536]

They let a lot of white kid slide

[@brininahoward5445]

An individual with a hight GPA (straight A student) should have been aware of this individual mental decline, aware of the cameras and knew he had more guns (they may have stolen some prior).

[@lindasvenske5434]

they should have known better than terrorise a war veteran.he is proably full of war traumas.wonder if those kids knew that?

[@SandraMontano-si3uf]

These little bastards probably did lnow. That was a big part of the fun ! He showed them . Horray for him ! -----

[@thewhite8uard]

I bet he's never been in a battle. He was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.

[@chubsley2000]

@@thewhite8uard they mentioned that he had war medals stolen tho. I wonder what medals he had

[@thewhite8uard]

@@chubsley2000 He had medals and ribbons for his service in Air Force. Some honors in military are not necessary to earn on a battlefield. In fact that all doesn't matter. No medal does worth of what he did. Prior to the incident, he had been burglarized at least half a dozen times over the past few months. Either he lived in really bad neighborhood, or he did not care much about home security at all, or something fishy else.

[@chubsley2000]

@@thewhite8uard i may be wrong but the video kind of suggested that the multiple robberies were perhaps by the same guy. I'm not defending the homeowner but when the amount of times a person has been robbed reaches doubt digits, i feel like that's be enough to make anyone snap

[@tonymurray814]

“ This doesn’t happen in our town” meanwhile this guys home was burglarized 12 times. Sure sounds like good community to me!!

[@russgould707]

This is what happens when we let criminals make the laws.

[@onekewlbraddah8460]

I bet Haile and Nicks families posted up GoFundMe campaigns from this case.

[@paulablevins6357]

How can a homeowner sitting in his easy chair, reading & munching his snacks be compared to a hunter in a deer stand?! No one can blame the man for having a gun or guns nearby, as he had been victimized many times by burglars. The teens would be well & safe had they not chosen to break the law and torture this man.

[@trulyb7174]

Seniors can be prone to fear and paranoia when their faculties begin to wane. If they suspect they're being targeted, they can become unhinged. If they know they're being targeted for many years, they can become insane and do something horrendous. He sounded like a lunatic - possibly driven over the edge by years of feeling violated, helpless, and vulnerable. What a tragedy!

[@ileanamuntean7338]

Well, he WAS targeted, these same people broke into his house time and time again.

[@aubree_cutie]

Not to mention he’s a Vietnam war veteran so ptsd is a huge factor

[@dennismatthews1208]

Where were the cops when they robbed his house a dozens times?...surrounding a car with an over due inspection sticker.

[@glennsepelak5113]

Good one

[@threatassessment606]

They were minutes away as the bullets went flying

[@newmexicoluchalibre4149]

Robbing someone on Thanksgiving, and get shot. The poor old man being robbed repeatedly ofcourse he going to snap.

[@daviddrrouin5797]

Mixed feelings about this one. But this is the results when police don't do their job.

[@Fortheloveoflife28]

Same here, three lives ruined over bs

[@Ingrid922]

He waited 24 hours to call the police. Too late for them to do anything except what they did.

[@hellfeather2011]

​@@Ingrid922 this was a repeated string of break-ins that caused his fear and resulting murderous mental state. Had they caught the burglars all this could've been avoided.

[@lowtus7]

Don't break into someone's house, simple. You never know what or who you will find. He obviously went too far, however, if they just stayed home and ate some turkey they would still be alive. Sad all round.

[@Zeropainter420]

I live in Denver and mike mcomb was shot with a booby trap but he shouldn’t have been breaking in. Teach kids not to trespass and they will live longer.

[@chrisjohnson2771]

I seriously doubt you'd be saying the same thing if that was your daughter or son

[@shellyhane7428]

@@chrisjohnson2771 How would you feel if your house was broken into many times. I would have shoot to kill also. It's his home if he wants to lay in wait that his business. Had they not broken into his home those thugs would be alive. They was old enough to know better. They died while committing a crime I'm sure those two thugs are burning in hell where they belong. Parents are awful. Bad patenting = bad kids. They were you g adults and knew better.

[@electiangelus]

I think this is a trash sentence and a trash jury.

[@MrCreer1975]

Number one fear is that they will come back! I understand making sure they don’t.

[@PerryArt420]

"THERE WAS A RASH OF BURGLERIES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD." ...... HOW ABOUT NOW? HAVE THOSE BURGLERIES STOPPED? THERE YA GO!

[@OMERTA7337]

Thank you for your service Byron🙏 I’m so sorry you could not retire in peace & in the safety of your own home. You protected MANY citizens by ending 2 career criminals lives. God Bless🙏🇺🇸🙏

[@rebeccachurch5200]

Of course theses were college bound good kids according to the parents! Make stupid choices and you can end up dead!

[@RottiDog100]

Its the execution after the initial shooting, and then not immediately calling the cops that put him in jail.

[@carajones8935]

Just like that pharmacist in Oklahoma.

[@matthewmcmurtry83]

100%

[@patchgen]

Finally common sense is spoken.

[@NB-lk7yd]

How do people not understand this I’ll never know!

[@truth4004]

Exactly he went over the line.

[@raekay8460]

Please teach the children of America to be respectful, proud of who they are and take pride in the hard work they will do as a adult to take care of their children. Starts at home. Prayers for all

[@anyarussell1166]

How will that happen when in America they think disciplining kids is being abusive or toxic?

[@PashaandDrosha]

Also teach some adults of America to retain their sense of humanity when faced with disrespectful children and not drag their wounded body and execute them with a headshot after already shooting them multiple times.

[@jamesbillet8954]

Good luck at teaching today's kids anything. Much less, respect for other people or property. Glad these 2 teens are extinguished. End of discussion!!!!

[@2008israelramos]

"The law doesn't let you execute someone when the threat is gone" That's it. The girl was gasping for air incapacitated and he put another bullet in her head. That's Murder.

[@suevize6853]

Finally a sensible comment.

[@tareqibnziyad4732]

It drives me crazy when the parents of these criminals describe them as good kids!!!.

[@engineer40c89]

The mommy and daddy are likely criminals themselves.

[@matposton87]

I understand shooting them both once because they have broken into your home, and you dont know if they are armed or what they might try once caught, but he should be punished for everything after that cause he strait up executed them. I also dont understand why that girl would go down the stairs towards the gunshots after the first 3 gunshots

[@PashaandDrosha]

@@russgould707 There are about 500 options in between killing them and living out the rest of his life in fear of retaliation, and at least 400 of them better than those two.

[@privatename2648]

I think she may not have heard the shots. There was quite a pause between his shooting and hers. He had time to move the body onto the tarp, etc. She probably had been "waiting" outside or just barely inside, and this took place down in the basement, I think. Definitely DOWN stairs, she probably didn't hear, or didn't know WHAT she heard.

[@wanderingfree149]

Why is this man in prison??? Jesus, what a misjustice!

[@ileanamuntean7338]

I hope he will be released. This is so unfair. Elderly people who are not millionaires have a very tough life anyway in US.

[@johnryan2193]

This man should not be in jail , this is cops who are keen to make a name for themselves

[@JordanHeller1]

Perhaps and JUST perhaps, they shouldn't have been in his home robbing him. Just a thought.

[@mysteriousstranger8224]

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

[@GroveKitty]

This is so over used. Try to make up a new wise comment prehaps?

[@ceasarromero3438]

Wish i was on that jury...he'd of been home in time to see himself on the news being found innocent.

[@chrisjohnson2771]

Would you be saying the same thing if that was your kids?

[@kubel83]

You have the right to defend yourself yes. But once that threat is over then there is no excuse for executing hitman style after. Then you are crossing the line. Here is an example. Someone punches you on the street. You are allowed to fight back to defend yourself. You knock the attacker out. Good you won and ended the threat. Now you should call the police and probably medic. But instead you walk over to home depot to grab an axe so that you can chop off the knocked out attackers head. Now you are the escalator, attacker and killer. THAT IS WRONG. He defended himself because he feared for his life yes. I totally understand that. But come on. The threat was over after he shot. He saw no weapons on them yet decided to drag them off and execute hitman style. That’s overstepping no matter how you see it. Period.

[@phillipmarlowe0525]

@@chrisjohnson2771 Maybe Ceasar not worry about that because he taught his kids not to break into peoples home.

[@EvolutionArtsllc]

This dude is a cold blooded killer. These teens where burglars that preyed on older people. justice served all around.

[@dsimon33871]

@@kubel83 In a perfect world when you antagonize someone they hit you JUST hard enough to get you to realize the error of your ways. It does not work that way in the real world. When you ask for trouble it may be fatal...

[@magnustorque5528]

He didn't have to kill either of them. He will be in jail for the rest of his life where he belongs. The killing of the young girl was first degree murder, and he can be heard on the tape actually enjoying the horror that she must have experienced in the final seconds of her life.

[@handyjayes1]

Pushed over the edge by tyrants that have repeatedly broken into his home and that broke him.

[@kinghutchinson2541]

Old man had the right to protect his home, but he "over killed" some kids that didn't know better.

[@4raven242]

Oh come on. They sure in the hell knew better. You don’t break into someone’s house, car, garage ect. Saying they didn’t know better is letting them off the hook. They had worthless parents that let this happen. The man shouldn’t be in prison the parents should.

[@kathybrem880]

Agreed, but what he did was murder

[@lisaking9056]

Didn’t know better ! I agree once they were no longer a threat he should not have killed them , but they didn’t know better then their parents should be locked up.

[@BrookeMcLymond]

Teens do dumb sh*t. With or without their parents permission or knowledge. Last time I checked the Supreme Court had ruled minors weren't death penalty eligible, and certainly not for a B and E. I think some constitutional rights might have been overlooked in this on these kids behalf, bare minimum. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@eddyraye5825]

Those two innocent looking kids is what killers look like today. Why did they pick the home of an old man, you might ask??? Answer: He's easy prey.

[@Pedalbored]

The show the best photos of the kids they could find and only showed the mugshot of the homeowner.

[@eddyraye5825]

Yeah, it was a good little propaganda. piece.

[@privatename2648]

Or so they thought.

[@johnmurphy1868]

The poor fella was living in his own home terrified of these punks he is a soldier who gave them what they deserved

[@butchsprout5725]

This is what happens when you break into someone's home. Don't feel sorry for them.

[@suzannebrady6201]

I feel bad for the families of the teens, but gosh .. they never should have broken into a house .

[@dsimon33871]

Best post here... summed up magnificently.

[@mandyellis876]

I don’t have any sympathy for the teens families. If this is the ‘calibre’ of what the parents raised, then it’s their own misfortune!

[@iy4563]

No sympathy for these thieves or they family. This family is full of shyt and should of taught they children the commandment. THOU SHALL NOT STEAL. Almost hope they house keep getting rob so they see how he felt.

[@Ingrid922]

@@iy4563 There is also a commandment THOU SHALL NOT KILL,

[@NikkiC777]

Those audio recordings were weird and creepy. He was his own worst enemy making them.

[@udogtexas]

Last time I checked there's no law that says when you are being broken into you have to be in a nonconcealed fashion in your house, nor a law that says shooting intruders in your house 🏠 you have to do so gingerly and use kind words. Finally, protecting your home while being mentally unstable and fearful is not a crime either.

[@ivornworrell]

@34:40 how come the fam of the deceased are NOW standing up for them, shudnt they have benn training them up NOT TO ROB in the first place?

[@SandraMontano-si3uf]

The family are probably criminals too-----

[@ivornworrell]

@@SandraMontano-si3uf thats the 1st thing that came to mind, bcz children do by example! so the fact that 16, 17 y/o's were already breaking into houses to me means that they did NOT have good example to follow, BUT mayb the parents/guardians will wise up now, but in the same breath the homeowner like he was out for a kill, another sad story.

[@SandraMontano-si3uf]

@@ivornworrell I don't really think he was "out for the kill" so much as he was afraid for his own life. These kids had to be pretty bad to terrorize an old man like that. I think I know something about how he felt as when I was a young woman this degenerate devil terrorized me and my 2 small children. I lived in fear for years. When he tried too break in one night I woke up got my gun , called the police, but he he got away before I could kill him or the police could catch him, so I still had to fear this sickening, filthey criminal who wanted to hurt children. I felt killing him was the only way I could find any peace, and I've never been a criminal

[@ivornworrell]

​@Rachael Harcus Rachael, with all due respect, you got me figured wrong.All I was saying is what The Bible says:Train up a child in the way he should go and when he's old he will not depart from it.Repeatedly breaking into ppls houses strongly suggests a cultivated habit, so I was simply saying that the deceased parents/guardians might have fallen short in training them up correctly, to prevent all this from happening, but at the same time the evidence also points to them being killed with malice & intent, so I'm not advocating murder, God forbid.

[@SandraMontano-si3uf]

@@ivornworrell It wasn't murder. It was self defense. If you had been stalked, terrized & victumized by these 2. young strong degenerates, and you were an old man living alone , would you just let these 2 demons continued to victumize you? , what would you do ? SELF DEFENCE IS NOT MURDER. Dude,these 2 criminals were NEVER going to be anything but BULLIES & DANGERIOUS.

[@chrisjohnson9384]

The home owner should never be convicted he was protected his owe home and himself. Hope these kids rot in hell

[@ileanamuntean7338]

@Linda Lowther Apparently, the rot set in even in Minnesota.

[@kylehawes4287]

Byron was victim those 2 are monsters no doubt poor guy

[@kylehawes4287]

Byron was victim those 2 are monsters no doubt poor guy

[@ileanamuntean7338]

@@kylehawes4287 Victimised by those thugs and by the system.

[@jackofblades6736]

It sounds like he had enough from previous thefts. Kids messed with the wrong guy.

[@sunshsophprd.0565]

USA IS IN PERIL...THOSE ARE THE BEST STUDENTS???

[@aceboogie2984]

He's a hero. He protected himself and his home against these thugs. "he called her a b***h" "he shot her in the chin" "they were unarmed". So what! They...BROKE...INTO..HIS...HOME!

[@melaniaarnett1755]

He is a murderer . He moves his truck to lure them in then lay in wait to shoot them.. then waited 24 hours before he called police. Teens do stupid stuff. He was a grown ass man and he knew better.. even the recordings show it was premeditated

[@glizzyplayzyt]

stfu hes a hero

[@melaniaarnett1755]

@@glizzyplayzyt He is a sociopath and so are you. Go hump your guns,, preferably with the safety off

[@engineer40c89]

"Teens do stupid stuff"? Oh stfu, don't make those two little punks out like they're innocent angels. They kept messing with him and he finally had enough since the stupid cops didn't want to do their job and arrest them. Tell you what next time you get robbed? Don't use any self defense, let the nice burglar kill you since you think criminals are victims.

[@marktaylor3630]

I hate they got killed but you can't go into peoples home uninvited

[@seviregis7441]

He’s a cold-hearted psycho who snapped due to past burglaries and perceived threats. I feel most sorry for the girl who was brought along by the boy and may not have known what was entirely happening, like if the house was abandoned or not. He was a repeat offender but she had not done anything bad before. The boy may have lied to her. He didn’t have to kill the girl, would have gotten more leniency had he let her go. She was not a threat, and he didn’t call police.

[@carolinegallegos_]

Anytime you break into someone’s home you should understand you’re risking your life. You can easily be shot dead the moment you enter.

[@reneeepona]

They terrorized an old man in his home and they did it for so long that he may have had PTSD. Fearing for one’s life and property for so many years can cause significant trauma. PTSD could explain some of his behaviors. (I’m not diagnosing but speculating based on similar situations). The elderly man was at his own home and couldn’t feel safe from predators and he kills intruders. I’m shocked that he got time for this. That verdict sent a message to that community. Vulnerable people are open game for criminals bc of this verdict. Addicts get their drugs by stealing and selling property. They don’t have jobs. They don’t make good or sound decisions. Certainly they need help. However nobody deserves to have their safety, sanity, livelihood and possibly their life stolen from them by an addict. But if you shoot someone who breaks in your home you have to follow all applicable laws in your state. The entire story is very sad. Don’t do drugs kids. You will get addicted and you’ll do anything for that drug. If you don’t overdose you might get shot by a very traumatized person. Either way, you ruin your life, innocent lives and the lives of the people who love you. Get help and get clean.

[@heithwatkins]

It looks like his biggest mistake was ever calling the police. I don't worry about someone armed and ready "waiting" on me to break into their house. Because I don't break into people's homes.

[@wmurray003]

Should have just... you know... grabbed some bleach and rolled up the tarps huh....

[@heithwatkins]

@@wmurray003 Breaking into people's homes is a risky business. He wasn't like a hunter either. Have you ever seen a hunter set up his deer stand in his house? Please!!!! Try that and see if you ever kill a deer. Know why? The deer isn't breaking into people's homes.

[@threatassessment606]

They're Scared shitless every day

[@Dobviews]

Sorry, but the kids paid the ultimate price for breaking an entering. The old man is paying the price for callous disregard of life. I have no pity for anyone in this situation except for the family members left behind.

[@truth4004]

true no one said they were in the right. But dying for stealing? Not like they beat him up.

[@emilemarie3804]

True talk

[@r.dennis3916]

They wouldn't be dead if they had not broken into another man's home. If this happened more often perhaps people could feel secure in their own homes!

[@weekendnomad5038]

The judge dropped the ball on this one. Imagine serving your country, minding your own business and then getting in trouble for protecting yourself what a slap in the face.

[@bajadan2769]

They messed with the wrong senior citizen .....