Riverton » Police say a man shot and killed his brother early Saturday, possibly because he was making threats.
Shad Knighton, 35, died from two gunshots to the chest near 2400 West and 12800 South.
Deputies arrested Steven Shane Knighton, 39, on suspicion of murder. As of Saturday evening, he was being held without bail in Salt Lake County jail.
The brothers had been moving items from a storage shed at Steven Knighton's home in Riverton. A police document filed with the jail says Steven Knighton claimed his brother had been drinking and was intoxicated. Also, Shad Knighton's roommate made him angry, Steven Knighton reportedly told police.
Shad Knighton, who had recently split from his wife and complained of personal problems, intentionally broke a neighbor's car window and cut his hand, Sheriff's Lt. Don Hutson said. Blood was found on a street sign a block away from his brother's home. Shad Knighton then threw his cell phone at a passing car.
Shad Knighton then approached Steven Knighton and his wife about 2 a.m., according to the police document. The older brother claimed he was in fear for his life when he fired a semi-automatic pistol, striking Shad Knighton twice in the chest, according to the document.
"I don't know if he's claiming self-defense, but he definitely felt threatened," Hutson said.
Steve Knighton called 911 and tried administering CPR to his brother, Hutson said.
The shooting occurred in a middle-class neighborhood with well-kept yards and fresh flowers in planters and hanging baskets. Families were shopping at yard sales, walking dogs or driving children to ball games late Saturday morning. Many stopped to look at the yellow police tape and sheriff's investigators still documenting the crime scene.
Terry Price, who lives a few houses from the Knighton family, said he heard two gun shots, a pause and three more shots.
"It sounded like kids beating a [street] sign," Price said.
