A White Lake man who says he was defending his property after a late-night break-in is now facing manslaughter and gun charges.
24-year-old Dayton Knapton is charged with Manslaughter, Assault With Intent To Do Great Bodily Harm, and two counts of Felony Firearm after firing shots during a break-in at his detached garage back in July that left 17-year-old Sivan Wilson dead and another suspect wounded.
Investigators say around 1:00 AM on July 8, a group of suspects, including Wilson, broke into Knapton’s garage. Prosecutors allege Knapton left his house with a 9mm handgun and fired two rounds through a windowless locked door, then five more shots as the suspects ran off.
Wilson, who was hit by one of the first rounds fired through the windowless garage door then fled, died after reportedly not being taken for medical help for nearly 30 minutes.
According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, Knapton later reloaded his weapon and came back outside after the suspects had fled.
Prosecutor Karen McDonald said her office considered “mitigating factors” but concluded Knapton went too far.
“The rights to own firearms and protect one’s family and home are fundamental,” McDonald said. “Those rights also come with profound responsibility. We believe the evidence shows this defendant crossed the line by firing outside his home at fleeing persons.”
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Matthew Grinage and four juveniles are also charged with Breaking and Entering for their role in the attempted burglary that led to the shooting.
Knapton faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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