Posted on 11/13/2025 11:10:30 PM PST by TigerClaws
(FOX 2) - Months after a homeowner fired shots at several individuals breaking into his detached garage in White Lake Township, the 24-year-old resident has been charged with manslaughter, assault, and two other felony counts.
The gunfire struck two people, killing a 17-year-old.
Dayton Knapton was arraigned on Friday and given a $200,000 cash/surety bond for the four felony charges. Five others, including four juveniles, were also charged in the case of attempted burglary. Attorney says man who shot burglar is innocent
Big picture view:
On Friday, the Oakland County Prosecutor announced charges against Knapton.
He allegedly used a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fired two shots into the garage through a windowless locked door. As the burglary suspects fled, Knapton then fired five more shots before going inside his house.
He reloaded his weapon and returned outside.
Knapton's attorney said the attempted burglary was the third time that individuals had broke into his garage, leading to the defendant obtaining a motion detector for the property.
What they're saying:
The question at the heart of the case is whether Knapton had a right to use deadly force when he fired his gun.
Prosecutor Karen McDonald said owning a firearm comes with a "profound responsibility."
"Our office worked closely with law enforcement to review the evidence, including the obvious mitigating factors, which led us to these charges. We believe the evidence demonstrates this defendant crossed the line by firing outside his home at fleeing persons. His actions not only took a life but potentially endangered the surrounding community by firing his weapon into the night."
The other side:
During his court appearance, Knapton entered a not-guilty plea through his attorney. He also waived a formal reading of the charges.
According to his attorney, Knapton has no criminal history.
"I don't think the facts are the issue. At issue is the motivation or the possible legal defenses behind those facts," said Dov Lustig.
The judge declined to add a 10% provision to the bond. Knapton was also ordered to stay in the state and cannot possess firearms or ammunition. He is allowed to leave for his job.
Lustig said he plans to readdress the bond during Knapton's probable cause conference.
Lawyer up.
You're the target if you live in a Blue area - regardless of what you've done to defend yourself.
The family is complaining this wasn't enough and want murder charges for their honor student son.
Related story about family wanting murder charges:
WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Pontiac teen was shot and killed in White Lake Township during a garage break-in, and now, four months later, the homeowner accused of shooting him has been charged.
But his family said the charges have them confused.
“It just doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t make sense, and it hurts a lot,” Armani Madden, Sivan Wilson’s sister, said. “I think the way they went about it — it could have been done better.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland_County,_Michigan#Politics
70% white, gave Harris a 10% margin in 2024. Tough break for the guy, but about what you’d expect from a Dem DA.
People who use guns in self defense should not have to give up their 2A rights. They are then disarmed/helpless for years while it goes through the courts. And good luck getting your weapons back from the state, working or not.
First question. Why? I was in fear for my/loved one’s life. Second question how many time did you fire your weapon? Until the threat was over. Then I want to press charges against my attacker and I will cooperate once my lawyer arrives. Then STFU.
^^^THIS^^^
Never ever talk to the police. They are not your friend.
Miranda is not a Carmen. It’s God telling you to shut up. The LEO knows who you are, they have your wallet, phone, and weapon. What you need is your lawyer. Their job is to convict you. You’re absolutely correct Regards
Sorry. I forgot to mention. There’s no such thing as unicorns or warning shots. Center of mass, till the threat is gone or the ammo. Which ever comes first
Put me on the jury.
I’ll let the homeowner go free.
NO sympathy for thieves.
Karen McDonald (politician)
Political party: Democratic
The sheriff said something like “This is the third situation this year where a burglar has been shot. I think the message is clear - you don't rob people in XYZ county. (I think it was out on the Pennisula and rural).
The state law says that you can use deadly force to stop a felony. While that law still states that, there must be other law precedence's that now restrict it to defense of great injury to you or someone else.
Guess he won’t be stealing anything else ever again
Know your state laws. Property can be replaced. Insurance comes into play. Protecting you, a loved one, or another human is one thing. A Yeti cooler in your truck is a different matter. Self defense is just that, it’s not your trampoline. If you have to resort to deadly force. Criminally you maybe ok. Civilly you may get sued to hell and back. The animal is down. Now the work starts. Like elk hunting. Trigger pull is about the easiest part. Stay safe everyone. Think, prepare., and hope it never happens. Best gun fight you ever have? The one you are never in. Regards.
“Prosecutor Karen McDonald said owning a firearm comes with a “profound responsibility.””
Let me slightly rephrase this:
“Prosecutor Karen McDonald, A WOMAN, said owning a firearm comes with a “profound responsibility.””
“fired two shots into the garage through a windowless locked door. As the burglary suspects fled, Knapton then fired five more”
Sorry folks, I’m a staunch defender of 2A & gun rights, but this was questionable judgement on the homeowner’s part.
If they were in the garage, and he wasn’t, it’s going to be hard to defend as “in fear for my life”. That, and shooting at fleeing perps is never a good idea.
This guy’s toast.
A Karen
“Know your state laws.”
↑↑ This
“He allegedly used a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fired two shots into the garage through a windowless locked door.”
Likely this is the reason, maybe 20+ years ago someone (in MI) shot through the front door and 86’d somebody and never saw the guy. Don’t recall if it went past the state Supreme Ct. but eventually the updated law was you just can’t shoot through the door with the perp unseen. However if the perp enters the house you can call the morgue so to speak. Also “Pontiac” is code for a black gangster most often, just an extension of Detroit.
See #17.
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