The family of 17-year-old Sivan Wilson is calling for a murder charge against 24-year-old Dayton Knapton, who shot and killed Wilson as the teen and six others were allegedly attempting a robbery in White Lake Township, Michigan, on July 8, 2025.

Pontiac, MI, homeowner charged with manslaughter for shooting burglar.

Sivan Wilson, 17, was one of six thugs who broke into a residential garage. Dayton Knapton, 24, fired two shots through a windowless door. Wilson was hit but fled and delayed seeking medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/KR1yypIR93 — National Conservative (@NatCon2022) November 13, 2025

According to police, Knapton became aware that seven individuals were inside his detached garage after seeing them on surveillance cameras.

A press release from the White Lake Township Police Department stated that Knapton left his home and fired two rounds through the garage door, prompting the suspects to flee.

A separate release from Oakland County prosecutor Karen D. McDonald said Knapton then fired five additional shots at the fleeing individuals.

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Wilson was struck and wounded but did not seek medical attention for approximately 30 minutes after fleeing the scene.

He later died at a hospital.

Another suspect was shot in the leg, though the injury was not life-threatening.

Wilson’s father, Shawn Madden, told ClickOnDetroit, “Sivan was running away and got shot. I never heard anything about him getting shot in the garage.”

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Prosecutor McDonald, however, stated that Wilson was hit by one of the first two rounds Knapton fired through the door.

BREAKING - The family of Sivan Wilson, the Michigan “teen” killed while trying to burglarize Dayton Knapton, says manslaughter charges aren’t enough; they want Knapton charged with murder for defending himself.

Sivan’s sister: “He had so many dreams and aspirations.” pic.twitter.com/iBMzP8DWN5 — Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) November 15, 2025

Knapton has been charged with manslaughter.

Wilson’s family is pressing for a murder charge, while questions have been raised about whether Michigan’s “Stand Your Ground” law could apply in the case as it proceeds through the legal system.

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