Michigan Homeowner Dayton Knapton Charged After Fatally Shooting Teen Sivan Wilson, Reigniting “Stand Your Ground” Debate

A fatal shooting in White Lake, Michigan — involving homeowner Dayton Knapton, 24, and teenager Sivan Wilson, 17 — has sparked renewed debate over the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law.

According to authorities, Wilson was part of a group of mostly teens who entered Knapton’s garage just after 1 a.m. on July 8. Knapton, alerted by his home security system, reportedly armed himself with a 9mm handgun, rushed outside, and fired two shots through a solid garage door, striking Wilson.

As the teens attempted to flee, prosecutors say Knapton fired five additional rounds, then returned inside his home to reload before coming back outside. Wilson’s father, Shawn Madden, told local media that his son was “running away and got shot.” Another teenager was hit in the leg during the gunfire.

Michigan Homeowner Dayton Knapton Charged After Fatally Shooting Teen Sivan Wilson, Reigniting “Stand Your Ground” Debate

Police were alerted when two gunshot victims arrived at a medical facility in nearby Commerce Township. Wilson later died from his injuries that night.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald stated that Knapton “crossed the line by firing outside his home at fleeing persons,” adding that his actions put the community at risk. Knapton now faces charges including manslaughter, assault with intent to cause bodily harm, and two firearm-related offenses — charges that collectively carry a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Wilson’s family argues the charges should be upgraded to murder. His sister, Armani Madden, said, “It doesn’t make sense … everything in the report suggests malicious intent.”

Knapton’s attorney, Dov Lustig, maintains the opposite, insisting his client acted in legitimate self-defense and calling the situation “a case of stone self-defense.” Knapton has entered a not guilty plea and is currently free on a $200,000 cash bond as the case continues.