Michigan prosecutors announced they will not file charges following a deadly shooting at a popular car gathering spot after Detroit Lions Sunday's game, adding that the shooter was acting in self-defense.
Jalen Welch, 25, and Rayshawn Palmer, 40, were fatally injured Sunday afternoon after the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said a “physical altercation” involving several men occurred near Shed 6 in Eastern Market.
The Detroit Lions logo on a helmet on the sidelines during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Aaron Doster-USA Today Sports)
According to authorities, an argument between five men ensued after the fight. During that time, Welch allegedly displayed a handgun in a “threatening” manner as he approached the unidentified 40-year-old shooter.
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Prosecutors said in a statement that the shooter, who was licensed to carry a concealed handgun, pulled out his weapon and shot Welch once, hitting him in the head. The same bullet also struck Palmer in the head.
“This single shot resulted in the deaths of two people. Mr. Palmer was an innocent bystander who was not involved in the fight,” the news release reads. “The evidence indicates that Mr. Palmer was acting as a peacemaker and attempting to discourage Mr. Welch and the other men from arguing.”
Officers stand behind police tape seen at the scene of a shooting at Shed 6 in Eastern Market in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Robin Buckson/Detroit News via AP)
Welch was also a License to carry concealed pistol holder.
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“We have looked at this case thoroughly and this is a case of self-defense. It is absolutely tragic that during all the fun and revelry at a Lions party, two lives were lost. The first was Mr. Welch, who was the first to pull out a gun and was shot by the 40-year-old male, a legal CPL holder, who was defending himself. Only one shot was fired,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement.
“And then, perhaps most heartbreaking of all is the fact that a completely innocent bystander, Mr. Palmer, was shot and killed by the same bullet that went through Mr. Welch's head. It could have been any one of us. We look at all the applicable laws and there is no crime that can be charged and proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Officers stand behind police tape seen at the scene of a shooting at Shed 6 in Eastern Market in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Robin Buckson/Detroit News via AP)
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Palmer was pronounced dead at the scene. Welch was taken to an area hospital and pronounced dead the next day.
Authorities said the shooter had not been involved in the physical altercation.
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