Danny Lee Dayton, 23, was shot dead on November 11, 2017, at his home on East Verona Street in Springfield, Missouri. A Navy veteran who worked at a local Steak ’n Shake, Dayton was preparing to leave for work about 5:00 p.m. when his half-brother, Brandon M. Johnson, opened fire. Witnesses reported Johnson shot Dayton multiple times and continued firing after he had fallen.

After the killing, Johnson reportedly forced the witness to drive him away and allegedly assaulted that person during the escape. Police captured Johnson shortly after the homicide; during an interrogation he said simply, I just did it, and gave no clear motive. He was held in Greene County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

In December 2019 Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action and received concurrent prison terms of 25 years and 5 years. Did anyone in Springfield know Danny or have information about the events leading up to that evening?