A White Lake homeowner, Dayton Knapton, 24, is facing manslaughter, assault, and two other felony charges after fatally shooting a teen during a break-in at his detached garage on July 8. Authorities say Knapton saw the alleged intruders through his home security system and fired, hitting two people, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit. One of them, 17-year-old Sivan Wilson, later died.
The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office said Knapton used a 9mm semiautomatic handgun to shoot into a garage and continued firing as the suspected robbers fled. Prosecutor Karen McDonald said, "Our office worked closely with law enforcement to review the evidence, including the obvious mitigating factors, which led us to these charges." She added, "We believe the evidence demonstrates this defendant crossed the line by firing outside his home at fleeing persons," according to CBS News Detroit. Five others have also been charged with breaking and entering.
During his court appearance, Knapton pleaded not guilty and waived a formal reading of the charges. His attorney, Dov Lustig, said, "I don't think the facts are the issue. At issue is the motivation or the possible legal defenses behind those facts," as per FOX 2 Detroit. Knapton was granted a $200,000 cash/surety bond with conditions including no contact with witnesses, no possession of firearms, and limited travel. Authorities said Knapton was alerted to a break-in through his video system and confronted the intruders, leaving two teens wounded near Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, with Wilson later dying from his injuries. Prosecutor McDonald said, "The rights to own firearms and protect one's family and home are fundamental," adding that "Those important rights also come with profound responsibility," as mentioned by The Detroit News.
