Court Hearing on 'Knockout' Case

Onondaga County Family Court Judge Michael Hanuszczak sentenced a 16-year-old to 18 months confinement for second-degree manslaughter in the 'knockout' case.

(Stephen D. Cannerelli | scannerelli@syracuse.com)

Syracuse, NY -- Onondaga County Family Court Judge Michael Hanuszczak today sentenced a 16-year-old to 18 months of confinement for the killing of a 51-year-old man.

The sentence was the maximum the judge could have handed down to the teen, who was recently found guilty of second-degree manslaughter in the beating death of Michael Daniels. The boy was 15 at the time of the incident and has maintained his innocence since his arrest at the end of May.

The judge, who is required by law to sentence a juvenile delinquent to the "least restrictive available alternative consistent with the child's needs and best interests and the need to protect the community," said he made his decision based on a variety of factors.

Those included a sentencing recommendation from the probation department, as well as a review of the boy's school records, which showed a history of truancy and suspensions that involved threats and intimidation of his teachers, he said.

"It's in his best interest and the best interest of the community that he be removed from Syracuse," Hanuszczak said.

The judge noted that the goal of Family Court is rehabilitation, not punishment, but said he would be "remiss" if he didn't take into account the "viciousness" of the crime.

Michael Daniels

Daniels was standing alone on the corner of West Brighton Avenue and Cannon Street when he was approached by at least two teenagers and beaten to death. Several witnesses testified that around seven or eight teenagers were present during the incident, and that the beating happened after someone suggested the group play a street game called "knockout."

A 13-year-old co-defendant in the case has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and is expected to be sentenced next week.

"Mr. Daniels not only lost his life, but he was attacked without provocation," Hanuszczak said. He said no testimony given at trial offered "a shred of insight or explanation" as to why Daniels was killed. He called the crime "senseless."

"No one should have to fear being beaten to death as they are standing on a street corner minding their own business," he concluded.

Hanuszczak ordered that the 16-year-old not be given credit for the time he has served at the Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Facility while awaiting his trial and sentence.

The judge also mandated that the boy serve his time in a "secure" detention facility -- the most restrictive available option. Those facilities are managed by the state Office of Children and Family Services.

An OCFS intake specialist attended today's hearing, and explained in court that the teenager will be transported to a "reception" facility in Brooklyn within the next two weeks. He will then undergo a series of tests, including psychological and psychiatric examinations, to help determine his risk level and the appropriate state facility to best treat his needs.

The boy's defense attorney, Jimmy Meggesto, said after court that he plans to file an appeal.