Father Found Guilty in Shooting Death of Son

Sentencing to take place in January

Just under a year ago Darrell Dean Dakan was arrested after an altercation with his son Joshua Dakan escalated, ending with the elder Dakan fatally shooting his son.
On December 2nd Dakan, of White Cloud, was found guilty following a week long jury trial regarding the December 27, 2021 shooting death.

Court records indicated Joshua Dakan was sitting in the passenger seat of a friend’s car when his father came out and confronted him about leaving a cable across the driveway that ended up damaging the elder Dakan’s truck. As they argued, the father got a rifle from his trailer aiming it at his son.His friend reported that Joshua Dakan at one point said ‘Just shoot me”. Then, according to the friend, Darrell Dakan fired the .22 caliber rifle at his son. Joshua struggled with his father for a short time before collapsing with the bullet piercing his heart and lung.

Dakan was found guilty of second degree murder  and weapons- Felony Firearm. The murder conviction carries a sentence of life in prison or any term of years. Felony Firearm carries a penalty of two years to be served consecutively to and preceding any term of imprisonment for the underlying felony.

Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney  Worth Stay commented: “I thank the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office, for their investigation of this matter, the witnesses for their willingness to give testimony, and the jury for their service during this lengthy trial.”
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Sentencing is scheduled for January 31, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. in the Newaygo County Circuit Court in White Cloud.

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