Father attacks suspect in courthouse hallway

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — A grieving father attacked the suspect accused of killing his 16-year-old son right in the Mecklenburg County courthouse hallway while the suspect was out on bond.

Shaheem Snype, 47, was arrested after lunging at Marion McKnight, 21 — who faces charges for fatally shooting Jamariyae Dixon last spring — according to Queen City News.

Video shows Snype rushing through the courthouse hallway, delivering multiple punches and kicks to McKnight before an officer used a Taser to subdue him. McKnight was hospitalized after the assault.

Father posts $1,000 bond, released hours later

Snype was charged with misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury and released hours later after posting a $1,000 bond.

The Dixon family stated that Snype encountered McKnight when the suspect was out on a $100,000 bond — a decision they believe should not have happened.

Family: "He did what a father would do"

The victim's aunt, Susan Sherrill, said emotions erupted when Snype saw McKnight outside the courtroom.

"He did what a father would do. Any father would do that. The family is still in pain. This wound will never close because my nephew was only 16 years old and should still be with us."

16-year-old teenager dies in shooting

The incident stemmed from a shooting on May 23, 2025, at Stroud Park Court, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Police received the call around 5:30 p.m., finding three victims with gunshot wounds in the park. All three were transported to the hospital, with two in critical condition.

Dixon died two days later at Atrium Health.

Suspect out on bond, under electronic monitoring

Investigators identified McKnight as the suspect, issuing an arrest warrant and transferring him to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office on May 28 after questioning.

McKnight faces murder charges and was released on bond in November 2025. The suspect lives at his mother's home and is under electronic monitoring.

Thursday's court hearing was held as prosecutors sought to revoke the bond based on a motion filed on February 18.

Victim's mother: "That was the first time I smiled"

Dixon's mother, Lynnette Dixon, was not present in court at the time of the attack but later watched the video and said:

"I smiled. That was the first time I truly smiled since my son passed away."