Heather Smith took the stand in her own defense Wednesday in Boone County, as her murder trial continues in connection to a 2025 fatal shooting outside Holts Summit.
Smith is charged with second-degree murder and other offenses in the death of 38-year-old Kara Dills.
She testified she approached Dills to clear up confusion but was met with yelling and threats, claiming she feared for her safety and her children.
Several witnesses, including Dills’ boyfriend, described a tense confrontation, with some saying Smith was threatened, while others said efforts were made to calm the situation.
The trial is expected to continue through the end of the week.