Man is accused of killing brother
Fatal shooting follows argument between the siblings in Riverton
RIVERTON — Police arrested a man who they say shot and killed his 35-year-old brother after a day of arguing.
"It's bizarre to a certain degree that you have a brother shoot his brother then immediately render aid and call 911," said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Don Hutson said Saturday.
Brothers Steven Shane Knighton, 39, and Shad Michael Knighton, 35, had been together all day Friday moving items between storage sheds, Hutson said.
An argument between the men escalated throughout the day, and by late Friday, early Saturday, Shad Knighton was becoming physically aggressive, walking up and down the street ranting and raving, Hutson said. The man also had been drinking, police said.
Hutson said Shad Knighton broke a window in a neighbor's parked car then threw either a cell phone or a wrench at a passing driver.
"Into the early morning hours, it got to the point where (Steven Knighton) became concerned that his brother was becoming quite violent," Hutson said. "He got a handgun and at some point made a decision that he needed to use lethal force, so he shot and killed his brother."
Police arrived at the scene at 1:53 a.m. — about five minutes after neighbors say they heard gunshots.
Before shots were fired, police say there was a physical altercation between Shad Knighton and Steven Knighton's wife in the entryway of the home at 2458 W. 12875 South. Police said Shad Knighton's roommate also had been at the home and had angered the man.
"We don't know if (Steven Knighton) was in fear for his life, but he made a determination he needed to protect his family," Hutson said.
After firing several shots, Steven Knighton then called police and reported that he had shot his brother, Hutson said. He waited at the house and tried to administer CPR to his brother until officers arrived.
Shad Knighton, who was shot twice in the chest, was declared dead at the scene, Hutson said.
Steven Knighton surrendered without incident and was cooperative with police, Hutson said. He was booked into the Salt Lake Metro Jail for investigation of homicide.
One of the shots missed Shad Knighton and traveled across the street, where it shattered the back window of a neighbor's SUV.
Officers were already en route to the area for the report of an item being thrown at the passing car when they got the call about the shooting, Hutson said.
Police recovered the handgun they believe was used in the shooting, but the home remained an open crime scene Saturday while officers reconstructed the shooting and gathered additional evidence.
Recent comments
This is heartbreaking. I know Shane. Good, decent man with good...
heartbroken | July 13, 2009 at 1:50 p.m.
my love and condolences go out to all the familys involved. i know...
anonymous2 | June 12, 2009 at 9:29 a.m.
THIS IS A HORRIBLE THING FOR ALL FAMILY MEMBERS AND CHILDREN, I KNOW...
Anonymous | June 10, 2009 at 11:54 a.m.
- George lost in rivalry hatefest 1:33 a.m.
- Paul returns after being out 1:04 a.m.
- Nets finally win 1:04 a.m.
- Olympus downs Box Elder 1:03 a.m.
- Saint Mary's next for Aggies 1:03 a.m.
- Cougars look to bounce back 1:03 a.m.
- Battle goes to PG's Hamson 1:03 a.m.
- Snow hopes to snap bowl game skid 1:03 a.m.
- U.S. gets favorable World Cup draw 1:03 a.m.
- Utah's Wynn healing up 1:03 a.m.
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- 5A high school football All-State
- Miller predicted Tiger's rough road
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- Nutty Putty Cave to be sealed today
- MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
410 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
294 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
237 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
189 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
184 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - Max Hall: a fixture in rivalry lore
118 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
118 - Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
104
Trolley Square's annual Holiday Open House will feature visits with...
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
and they are correct. Good grief.
In the wake of a great, competitive game all people can talk about is Max...
For those who keep saying there are other places where you can go "to...
Boozer is just doing and showing what he has always had, Talent! As long as...
Condolences to the LeBaron family! He was the mission Pres in South Africa...
I've enjoyed reading Dick Harmon's articles through the years. An enduring...
I think we have found our stride. But we need to bring in one more player to...
to make a move until nearer the deadline. You can't get the best player until...
"If this team had an interior Defense for 48 minutes they would contend. "...
What have you done for me lately, Boozer? Well, lately Boozer has been...



