Hancock man acquitted in ‘birthday party killing’

A Hancock County man charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of a family member at a 2015 child’s birthday party walked out of the courtroom a free man Thursday.

After several hours of deliberation, a jury acquitted 33-year-old Clinten Michael Dryer of all charges in the killing of 29-year-old Kenneth Fanning.

Dryer admitted to killing Fanning but claimed he did so in self-defense. His attorneys, Donald Rafferty and Damian Holcomb, argued a justifiable homicide defense.

Dryer stabbed Fanning just after midnight April 12, 2015, in the front yard of Dryer’s house on U.S. 90. Family members had gathered at the home to celebrate the birthday of Dryer’s 7-year-old daughter. Both men had been drinking that day and gotten into an argument that eventually turned physical, law enforcement officials have said.

Witnesses testified the two men exchanged punches until Fanning managed to subdue Dryer with a chokehold. After the fight, Dryer retrieved a hunting knife from inside the house, then went back outside. The men resumed fighting and Dryer fatally stabbed Fanning.

The jury had the option of considering a murder conviction or the lesser offense of manslaughter.

“We’re bittersweet over it,” Rafferty said. “We’re ecstatic we won but (Dryer) is also sad because of the death of somebody that he was close to, and he’ll have to deal with it for the rest of his life.”

Assistant district attorneys Ian Baker and Chris Daniel prosecuted the case. Circuit Judge Chris Schmidt presided.

Rafferty credits part of the victory to Dryer taking the witness stand in his own defense.

“His ability to convey to the jury what happened that night saved him from life in prison,” he said.

This story was originally published June 23, 2016 at 9:57 PM with the headline "Hancock man acquitted in ‘birthday party killing’."