Michigan Man Faces Manslaughter Charges After Shooting Burglar During Home Invasion in White Lake Township
WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN — A Michigan man who opened fire on a group of burglars inside his garage — killing one — is now facing manslaughter charges, according to White Lake Township District Attorney Karen McDonald. The decision has ignited widespread debate over self-defense laws and the right to protect one’s home.
Authorities say Dayton Knapton fired multiple shots after encountering six intruders breaking into his garage late at night. One of the alleged burglars, identified by police as a young man from the local area, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors now claim that Knapton’s response constituted “excessive force,” leading DA McDonald to pursue manslaughter charges — despite growing public support for the homeowner.
Prosecutor Seeks Charges After Fatal Shooting
The Oakland County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that DA Karen McDonald is seeking a manslaughter indictment, alleging Knapton’s use of lethal force went beyond lawful self-defense.
“While individuals have a right to protect their property, the use of deadly force must meet the legal standard of immediate threat to life,” McDonald’s office said in a statement.
Critics, however, have accused the prosecutor of overreach, pointing out that Knapton was alone and confronted by multiple suspects during a late-night break-in on his own property. Many residents have taken to social media to express outrage, arguing that the case undermines Michigan’s “stand your ground” protections.
Community Divided Over Legal Interpretation
The incident has left the White Lake Township community divided. Supporters of Knapton insist the shooting was justified under Michigan’s Castle Doctrine, which allows residents to use deadly force to defend their homes from unlawful entry.
“If someone breaks into your house in the middle of the night, you shouldn’t have to second-guess protecting yourself,” one neighbor told local media.
Opponents, however, argue that prosecutors are right to examine whether Knapton’s response met the threshold for legal self-defense — especially given the number of shots fired.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
According to police reports, the shooting occurred after Knapton discovered six individuals attempting to steal tools and equipment from his garage. He reportedly fired several times when the burglars refused to retreat.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors review forensic evidence and surveillance footage to determine the sequence of events. The five surviving suspects are also being questioned and could face burglary charges.
Growing Debate on Self-Defense Laws
The case has sparked renewed discussion about Michigan’s self-defense and gun laws, particularly around how they apply to homeowners defending their property. Legal experts say the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases involving defensive shootings.
“Every case is fact-specific,” said one criminal law attorney familiar with the situation. “The key question will be whether the defendant reasonably believed his life was in danger.”
Public Reaction
The decision to pursue manslaughter charges has been met with fierce backlash online, with many calling the move a “war on self-defense.” Others have defended the DA’s stance, arguing that prosecutorial review ensures accountability in all fatal shootings.
The case will proceed to preliminary hearings in Oakland County Circuit Court, where prosecutors must demonstrate probable cause to move forward with the charges.
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