Request Made to Combine Byron Smith Appeals

ST. PAUL -- A motion has been filed in the Byron Smith murder case to combine appeals made by both parties.

The motion was filed Thursday to the Minnesota Supreme Court. It is asking the court to consolidate the state's appeal of the court's sentencing order on restitution with Smith's appeal of his first-degree murder convictions.

Prosecutors are asking the court to award the families of Haile Kifer and Nick Brady additional restitution to cover funeral costs. The 66-year-old Smith is appealing to have his murder convictions in the teens' death overturned.

According to the filing, the two appeals are from a single trial court action and consolidation would "promote efficiency and judicial economy for the court and the parties."

The two sides are asking the court to schedule briefing hearings in the case.

Smith was convicted last April on two counts of first degree murder and two counts of second degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.