Everson man who claims he shot his father in ‘self-defense’ charged with murder
The Whatcom County man who allegedly shot and killed his father in “self-defense” has been charged with murder.
Ethan Michael Knight, 20, was charged Tuesday, Jan. 11, with second-degree murder (domestic violence) in Whatcom County Superior Court. Knight remains incarcerated in the Whatcom County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail, according to court records.
Knight’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 14, records show.
Everson police and Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 600 block of Prairie Court in Everson around 11:32 p.m. on Jan. 6 after Knight’s mother called and said Knight had shot her ex-husband, Michael Knight, according to previous reporting in The Bellingham Herald.
Michael Knight, who was 46 and lived in Federal Way, had come to visit for the holidays, the court documents state.
Michael Knight’s body was found in the master bedroom, and Ethan Knight and his mother were unarmed in the living room when law enforcement arrived. Ethan Knight’s gun was found on the dining room table, the records show.
Before saying he wouldn’t answer further questions without his attorney, Ethan Knight told law enforcement he shot his father after his father allegedly pointed a gun at him and then made his gun safe, according to court records. Ethan Knight said he shot Michael Knight in self-defense and then took Michael Knight’s gun and placed it in a nearby bathroom, the records state.
The mother, who also said she would not answer further questions without speaking to a lawyer, told law enforcement that Michael Knight had been drinking alcohol throughout the day and bothering his son. She told law enforcement that at one point, Ethan Knight came into her bedroom to complain about his father, and she had to get between the two, the court records state.
Detectives found Michael Knight had been shot in the face and at least once in the left side of his body. Three spent shell casings were also found near his body, court records state.
A family mastiff that was behind Michael Knight during the shooting was also shot by Ethan Knight. It was not reported if the dog survived or if the shooting is believed intentional, records show.
This story was originally published January 14, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
