Afternoon Update In The Byron Smith Murder Trial [VIDEO]

LITTLE FALLS -- Byron Smith is charged with two counts of first degree premeditated murder in the shooting deaths of 18-year-old Haile Kifer and 17-year-old Nick Brady.  The teens were shot and killed after breaking into Smith’s home on Thanksgiving Day 2012.

The defense called Smith's neighbor William Anderson back to the witness stand this afternoon. Anderson is the person who called the sheriff’s office on November 23^rd, 2012.

Anderson said that he was aware that Smith was a victim of multiple burglaries including one on October 27^th, 2012. He recalled a visit from Smith at his home the following morning.

Anderson mentioned that Smith didn’t seem like his usual self. He seemed fearful and afraid.  Anderson invited Smith into his home for coffee to discuss the burglary. Anderson said Smith was hesitant to accept his offer and requested that they speak alone.

On November 23^rd Anderson said that he received a phone call from Smith asking him to contact a lawyer. Anderson said that Smith told him that he had solved the series of break-ins in the neighborhood.

Anderson called the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office and requested to speak with Jamie Luberts who is the deputy that investigated the October 27^th burglary at Smith’s home. Anderson told the jury that was the last phone call he made to Smith on November 23^rd, 2012.

During recess Anderson told reporters that Smith’s spirits are high. He also asked reporters to, “put yourself in Byron’s shoes.”

The trial will reconvene on Monday with more witness testimony from the defense.