Grieving father attacks son’s accused killer inside Mecklenburg courthouse

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Queen City News has obtained new video of the attack at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on Thursday.
A man accused of murder was repeatedly punched and kicked by the victim’s father.
Jamariyae Dixon was 16 last spring when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police say Marion McKnight shot and killed her. McKnight is charged with first-degree murder as well as attempted murder of the other two people who were shot.
Photos courtesy of the Dixon family
Photos courtesy of the Dixon family
Photos courtesy of the Dixon family
Dixon’s aunt, Susan Sherrill, said Dixon’s father, Shaheem Snype, was overcome with emotion when he confronted McKnight outside the courtroom.
“He did what he had to do as a father,” Sherrill said. “Every father would have done the same thing. We are still suffering. This is a wound that will never heal because my nephew was 16 and he should still be here with us.”
McKnight was released on $100,000 bail on the murder charge, which Dixon’s family said should never have happened.
This release led to a face-to-face meeting at the courthouse prior to the bail hearing. Jamariyae’s mother, Lynnette Dixon, wasn’t there when the fight happened, but she saw the video.
“It put a smile on my face,” he said. “I smiled. It was the first time I had a real smile since my son left.”
PREVIOUS: Man accused of attacking murder suspect at Mecklenburg County Courthouse
McKnight went to the hospital after the attack. Snype was charged with misdemeanor assault.
Although she still misses everything about her son, a football player and honors student, Dixon said she is proud of him.
“Every year I get a happy birthday message, happy Mother’s Day, happy Valentine’s Day,” Dixon said. “I can never understand any of this anymore.”
Thursday’s hearing concerned the prosecutor’s request to revoke McKnight’s bail. The hearing will be rescheduled.
Queen City News did not immediately hear from McKnight’s attorney for comment.
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