White Lake man sent to trial for killing teen, attorney argues self-defense
April 17, 2026
Dayton Knapton is charged with manslaughter for killing a teen who had broken into his garage. His attorney says he acted in self-defense.
A White Lake man will stand trial for manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a Pontiac teenager, a case that tests the boundaries of self-defense claims. On Thursday, a judge ruled that Dayton Knapton, 24, will face a jury on charges of manslaughter, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and two felony firearm counts for the killing of 17-year-old Sivan Wilson. The decision follows a series of preliminary court hearings where prosecutors argued Knapton’s actions crossed from self-protection into illegal violence, while his defense maintained he acted in fear for his life.
The case stems from an incident in the early morning hours of July 8, 2025, when Knapton was alerted by his security system that multiple individuals were breaking into his detached garage. Prosecutors from the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office assert that Knapton took his 9mm handgun, went outside, and fired two shots through the locked, windowless garage door. As a group of seven people fled the scene, Knapton allegedly fired five more shots at them, went back inside his home to reload, and then returned outside. Wilson was struck and killed by one of the bullets fired through the garage door. A second 17-year-old was also wounded in the shooting but recovered.
During the preliminary examination, prosecutors presented security video evidence that they contend shows Knapton firing as the individuals were running away. A White Lake police officer testified that Knapton claimed the teens were "coming at him," but the officer stated that the video footage did not appear to be consistent with that account. Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald’s office has argued that while residents have a right to defend their homes, Knapton "crossed the line by firing outside his home at fleeing persons." The prosecution has also stated it had no right to use deadly force to protect property, which a neighbor believed to be dirt bikes.
Knapton’s attorney, Dov Lustig, argues that his client's actions were a clear case of self-defense. The defense has emphasized that Knapton’s home had been burglarized twice before the fatal incident, and that police had previously advised him to "beef up" his security. Lustig stated that Knapton was awakened from a deep sleep, was in fear for his life, and saw seven masked, hooded individuals on his property. Knapton has no prior criminal history and pleaded not guilty.
The case now moves to circuit court for trial, where a jury will ultimately decide whether Knapton’s actions were a justifiable use of force under Michigan law or a criminal act. Sivan Wilson's family has previously stated their belief that the manslaughter charge is insufficient, arguing that the evidence suggested malicious intent and warranted a murder charge. Meanwhile, at least one of the individuals involved in the break-in, 21-year-old Matthew Grinage, has been sentenced for his role in the attempted burglary, while charges were also filed against four juveniles.
Source: detroitnews