Man to stand trial for Manitowoc shooting death

Kirk Dunn claims self-defense after allegedly killing Jaisiah Owens in September 2026

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metallic bullet casing against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct flash lighting.A single spent bullet casing becomes a stark symbol of the deadly violence that erupted in a Manitowoc domestic dispute.Manitowoc Today

A trial date has been set for Kirk Dunn, who is charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the September 2026 shooting death of Jaisiah Owens in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Dunn claims he acted in self-defense after Owens shot at him first.

Why it matters

This case will test the boundaries of Wisconsin's self-defense laws and highlight ongoing debates around gun violence and the use of lethal force, especially in domestic disputes involving former partners.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Dunn was dating Brianna Balzan, who had previously been involved with Owens. Dunn told investigators he was at 2433 Dewey Street when he opened the apartment door and saw a blue laser on a firearm pointed at him. Dunn said a shot was fired, and he fired back in self-defense, before going back inside and closing the door. The autopsy found Owens was shot three times, with one shot entering his left rib, penetrating his lung, and exiting his body, another striking his liver and aorta, and a third hitting his calf.

  • The shooting occurred on September 23, 2026.
  • Dunn's trial is scheduled to begin on November 16, 2026 and is expected to last one week.

The players

Kirk Dunn

The 32-year-old Manitowoc resident who is charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the shooting death of Jaisiah Owens.

Jaisiah Owens

The 28-year-old man who was shot and killed by Dunn in the September 2026 incident.

Brianna Balzan

Dunn's girlfriend, who had previously been involved with Owens.

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What they’re saying

“I only shot Owens in self-defense. I was at 2433 Dewey Street when I opened the apartment door and saw a blue laser on a firearm pointed at me. A shot was fired, and I fired back, went back inside and closed the door.”

— Kirk Dunn, Defendant

What’s next

The judge will decide on Dunn's claim of self-defense during the trial, which is expected to last one week starting on November 16, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities surrounding gun violence, self-defense laws, and domestic disputes, as the jury will have to weigh Dunn's claim of acting in self-defense against the evidence presented by prosecutors.