![Star Tribune Objects to Courtroom Closing at Homeowner Trial](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/04/smith_meshbesher-_630x420.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Star Tribune Objects to Courtroom Closing at Homeowner Trial
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Star Tribune is seeking an explanation for a courtroom closure during last year's trial of a Little Falls man convicted of killing two teenage intruders.
Minnesota's largest newspaper asked the state Supreme Court on Monday for permission to file the brief. A Star Tribune attorney wrote that the newspaper would have opposed the courtroom closing on the day of opening statements.
Byron Smith's case is on appeal while he serves two life sentences for fatally shooting cousins Nicholas Brady and Haile Kifer after they broke into his home on Thanksgiving 2012.
Defense attorney Steve Meshbesher tells the Star Tribune he objected to the closing at the time.
In its filing, the Star Tribune says the public and the press have "significant interests" in keeping courtrooms open.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Plymouth Man Arrested, Charged with Arson in Two Mosque Fires](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-Jackie-Little.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two Central Minnesota Bars On List For Top Bingo/Meat Raffle Destinations](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/03/attachment-Best-Bingo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MN Murderer ‘Losing Streak Lois’ Was Featured On Investigation Discovery](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/02/Untitled-design-4.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Men From Blaine, Minneapolis Found Guilty of Embezzlement](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/09/Courtroom.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Paul Man Third to Plead Guilty in Straw Purchasing Scheme](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/06/handgun.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Appeals Court Says Group Can Sue Over Mining Rules](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/09/Courtroom.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud Woman Found Guilty of Murder](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/04/Lindsay-Shelltrack-Miller1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Jury Finds Little Falls Man Guilty of Murder](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/02/Jonathan-Greyblood.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montrose Man Standing Trial for 2019 Murder of Buffalo Man](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/01/Alejandro-Vega.jpg?w=980&q=75)