Jury seated, trial begins in Holts Summit deadly shooting

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The state is set to present more witness testimony Tuesday as the jury trial for a deadly 2025 Holts Summit shooting continues.

A 12-person jury was picked Monday to decide the fate of 38-year-old Heather Smith, who allegedly shot and killed 37-year-old Kara Dills at Hunter Lane Apartments in April 2025.

Smith is facing charges of second-degree murder, child endangerment, armed criminal action and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

Smith claims the shooting was in self-defense. It followed a tense situation between Smith and Dills' family in the apartment's parking lot after children who were family members of Smith and Dills got into an altercation while riding bikes.

Following a confrontation between Smith and Dills, Dills allegedly pistol-whipped Smith and walked away. When Dills hit Smith, the gun went off, grazing a man on his head. Smith then allegedly shot Dills in the stomach, killing her.

The prosecution alleged during opening statements that before the confrontation, Smith initially threatened both Dills' mother and boyfriend with a gun.

Video surveillance showed Smith threatening witnesses with a pistol before the shooting.

This is an ongoing story.