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Pastor Shares Healing Message For Little Falls Teens' Funeral

LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (WCCO) -- More than 500 people attended the funeral on Saturday for 18-year-old Haile Kifer, and her 17-year-old cousin Nick Brady at the Living Hope Assembly of God church.

The two teenagers were shot to death on Thanksgiving, while allegedly breaking into the home of Byron Smith.

Little Falls Funeral For Slain Teens

Pastor Keith Thompson says it is a time for healing.

"And also just reflecting on the hope that we have through Jesus Christ, as he helps us through these difficult moments in life, and how the community needs to come together to support each other in this time of crisis," he said.

It's since been learned that Smith's home was at least the second burglary the two allegedly took part in before they were killed.

But Saturday's message focused on the positive aspects of their young lives.

"It was just a snap shot of a short part of their lives," Thompson said. "(We talked about) the wonderful kids that they were, and how they impacted other students, and how they were in athletics, and in various areas of their lives -- and how they excelled in lots of things."

Smith has been charged with two counts of second degree murder.

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