Oakland County Man Charged After Fatally Shooting Teen During Alleged Garage Break-In
WHITE LAKE, Mich. — A 24-year-old Oakland County man is facing serious charges after prosecutors say he shot and killed a 17-year-old boy during an attempted garage break-in earlier this summer.
According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, Dayton Knapton, of White Lake, has been charged with manslaughter, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and two counts of felony firearm in connection with the death of Sivan Wilson, 17.
Shooting Followed Alleged Attempted Break-In
Investigators said the shooting happened around 1:00 a.m. on July 8, when several people allegedly tried breaking into Knapton’s detached garage. Authorities said Knapton left his home armed with a 9mm handgun and fired two rounds through a locked, windowless door into the garage.
As the suspects ran from the scene, Knapton allegedly fired five more shots, went back inside, reloaded, and returned outside before calling police.
Wilson was struck by one of the bullets and later died after not receiving medical care for roughly 30 minutes, according to investigators.
Prosecutor: ‘He Crossed the Line’
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said while residents have a right to defend their homes, the circumstances showed excessive and reckless use of force.
“The rights to own firearms and protect one’s home are fundamental,” McDonald said. “But those rights come with responsibility. The evidence shows this defendant crossed the line by firing at fleeing persons, endangering the community as well as taking a life.”
Possible Prison Sentence
If convicted, Knapton faces up to 15 years in prison for the manslaughter charge alone. His arraignment was held earlier this week, and he has since been released on bond pending trial.
Prosecutors say the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing physical evidence and witness statements from the night of the shooting.
Follow developing Michigan crime and court updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
