Smith Family Murder Jury Trial Begins

The jury trial for the high profile murder case of the Smith family has begun in Gori district court.

The jury will deliver a verdict for the 19-year old shepherd Malkhaz Kobauri who is accused of murdering Ryan Smith, his 4-year-old son Caleb and the rape and murder of Lora Smith. The Smiths were an American family living in Georgia who were on a camping trip in the Khada Gorge.

Kobauri denies committing the crimes. Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Kobauri originally admitted to the crimes, he has since said a group of several foreigners killed the family.

Zaza Datuashvili, the case prosecutor, has said that there is “strong evidence” that Kobauri is guilty. If found guilty, Kobauri could face life imprisonment.

Ryan and Lora Smith had been living in the Marneuli region of Georgia for more than 10 years where they ran a carpet-weaving business. They had dual Georgian and American citizenship.