ELIZABETHVILLE — Although the alleged killer of Dominick Thornton is a young man, the motive for the shooting, according to police, is as old as mankind: jealousy.
State police at Lykens have charged the alleged victim’s brother, Dakota J. Thornton, 15, of 143 E. Market St. Apt. 3, Williamstown, with shooting Dominick Thornton, 18, about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday at 113 Autumn Drive Apt. 3 in Williams Township, Dauphin County.
“I shot my brother,” is the first thing Dakota Thornton told police when they arrived at the scene.
Dakota Thornton’s preliminary hearing on charges of murder and possessing instrument of crime is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum. He is being held without bail in Dauphin County Prison pending that hearing.
Police said Dakota Thornton shot his brother because he was romantically interested in the victim’s girlfriend. Dakota Thornton used a Harrington & Richardson .410 shotgun Topper 88 to kill his brother, according to police.
Dauphin County Deputy Coroner Thomas Reinhard pronounced Dominick Thornton dead at the scene.
Police said they immediately arrested Dakota Thornton, gave him his Miranda rights and took him to their station, where they questioned him in the presence of his mother. Both the defendant and his mother consented to the interview, police said.
Dakota Thornton again confessed during the interview to killing his brother, adding that he loaded the shotgun about two minutes before shooting him, according to police.
First Assistant District Attorney Francis T. Chardo authorized the filing of the charges against Dakota Thornton, who has been charged as an adult.
Defendant: Dakota J. Thornton
Age: 15
Residence: Williamstown
Charges: Murder and possessing instrument of crime