DETROIT – Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy determined that no charges would be issued against the 40-year-old shooter in connection with the tailgate tragedy of Jalen Welch, 25, and Rayshawn Palmer, 40, both of Detroit.
Background
Rayshawn Palmer, 40, and Jalen Welch, 25, were shot on Sept. 15 at around 4:30 p.m. at Shed 6 after the Detroit Lions game.
Palmer died at the scene, but Welch was transported to a Metro Detroit hospital. He, too, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Sept. 16, 2024.
The 40-year-old man remained on the scene and was arrested. Police said Welch and the shooter were lawful CPL holders.
Allegedly, a physical altercation occurred involving several men near Shed 6 in Eastern Market shortly before the police arrived. The 40-year-old shooter was not involved in the physical altercation but was nearby.
Officials said about five men were involved in a verbal argument after the altercation.
Police evidence showed that Welch walked into the middle of the verbal argument, holding his pistol in a threatening manner while approaching the shooter.
Officials said the shooter then removed his concealed pistol from near his waist and shot Welch one time, striking him in front of his head and exiting the back of his head.
The bullet then struck Palmer, who family members say was playing peacemaker, in his head, killing both men.
Palmer was an innocent bystander who was not involved in the fight, as evidence indicated, as a peacemaker and tried to discourage Welch and the other men from arguing.
Community responds
A candlelight vigil was held in honor of Palmer inside Shed 6 Monday night, where hundreds gathered to celebrate his life.
Eastern Market canceled its tailgating event for the Lions game on Monday, Sept. 30, out of respect for the victims and their families.
The market said it’s also working toward making the area a “weapon-free zone.” Eastern Market plans to resume the tailgating tradition for the rest of the season after Sept. 30 with more security measures in place.
No charges
Under Michigan law, an individual is allowed to use force, including deadly force, when necessary to protect themselves and in defense of others.
The person must honestly and reasonably believe that the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent imminent death or imminent great bodily harm to themselves or others.
In this case, the shooter was not involved in the physical altercation or any crime when Welch pulled out his weapon and threatened him with deadly force.
It was only then that the shooter drew his weapon and fired one time, striking Welch and, unfortunately, striking Palmer.
A review of the facts and evidence showed that the shooter acted in lawful self-defense. The shooting was justified. There is insufficient evidence to charge the shooter with any crime.