Danton Denounces Family in Statement

ST. LOUIS — Mike Danton of the St. Louis Blues said in his first public statement since being arrested on federal murder-for-hire charges that he was emotionally and physically abused during his childhood, a newspaper reported Saturday.

Danton called the St. Louis Post-Dispatch from jail Friday night and read a statement that focused on his relationship with his estranged parents, outlining allegations of “constant physical and emotional abuse” and saying he was raised in squalid conditions.

His parents and family friends have disputed those accusations, but his agent, Dave Frost, and best friends have made similar statements.

At a detention hearing Friday, federal prosecutors said Danton had plotted for at least six months to kill Frost and tried at least three times to hire a hit man. Frost has consistently denied that Danton wanted him killed.

Danton did not address the charges Friday night or answer any questions. He said he was feeling “OK, under the circumstances, you know.”

His attorney, Robert Haar, said he was unaware that his client was going to issue the statement. Danton’s mother, brother and aunt were in the courthouse for Friday’s hearing, but he did not acknowledge them.

Danton, who grew up Mike Jefferson but legally changed his name two years ago, thanked Frost, his friends and the St. Louis Blues’ organization and players in his statement, and then criticized his family.

“Their deceptions and lies throughout the past three weeks are a sign of the erratic lifestyle that I have lived. I have changed my last name to fully distance myself from the Jeffersons and in no means have had or will have anything to do with them in the future,” he said.

The statement was read to Danton’s father, Stephen Jefferson.

“I’m really hurt by it. His mother will be floored,” Jefferson said.