Minnesota Man Kills Teen Burglars, Hides Their Bodies In His Basement

Little Falls, MN – A man reportedly shot and killed two teenage burglars and hid their bodies in his basement before alerting the police, according to ABC News.

Morrison County Sheriff’s Office paid a visit to the home of 64-year-old Byron David Smith after someone reported seeing some suspicious activity around the man’s place of residence. It was at this time that Smith said he had shot two teenagers who attempted to break into his home on Thanksgiving Day.

The body of an 18-year-old female and a 17-year-old male were found inside Smiths’ basement. Although police have yet to officially release the names of the teenagers, sources have stated that the victims were cousins Nicholas Brady and Haile Kifer. Brady’s classmates explained that his involvement in the alleged burglar isn’t altogether surprising.

According to WDIO, Byron David Smith was quick to tell police about the incident. He explained that the shooting took place around noon on Thursday

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension explained that authorities have charged the Minnesota man with second degree manslaughter for shooting the teenagers and hiding their bodies in the basement.

Although Smith says that he was acting in self defense, police believe that he may have crossed the line in terms of protecting himself from intruders.

“A person has every right to defend themselves and their homes, even employing deadly force if necessary,” Sheriff Michel Wetzel remarked. “Circumstances of this case however, led deputies to believe that Smith went beyond that point.”

Officials explained that more details regarding the Minnesota shooting of two teenagers on Thanksgiving Day will likely be released following Smith’s appearance in court on Monday.

What do you think should happen to the Minnesota man who shot two alleged burglars on Thanksgiving Day? Do you believe this is a simple case of self defense?