The man who shot and killed two men after a Detroit Lions game in Eastern Market on Sunday will not face charges after Wayne County prosecutors concluded the shot was fired in self-defense.
Investigators concluded that the 40-year-old who fired a shot that killed Jalen Welch, 25, and Rayshawn Palmer, 40, both of Detroit, acted in “lawful self-defense,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a news release Wednesday afternoon.
“We have thoroughly investigated this case and it is a case of lawful self-defense,” Worthy said. “It is absolutely tragic that amidst all the fun and merriment at a Lions party, two people lost their lives. The first was Mr. Welch, who was the first to pull out a gun and was shot by the 40-year-old, who legally held a CPL (concealed pistol license) and was defending himself.
“And then perhaps most heartbreaking of all is the fact that a completely innocent bystander, Mr. Palmer, was shot with the same bullet that pierced Mr. Welch’s head,” Worthy added.
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. at Shed 6 on Riopelle Street, where thousands of people had gathered for a tailgate party following a Detroit Lions game at nearby Ford Field.
According to authorities, a violent brawl broke out, after which the fighters dispersed and a verbal altercation broke out a few meters from where the physical altercation had taken place.
Welch then allegedly got into the middle of the argument and held a gun in a threatening gesture as he approached the shooter, the prosecutor’s press release said.
“The shooter then pulled his concealed pistol from near his hip and shot Mr. Welch once,” Worthy said.
An Oak Park man was arrested by officers conducting traffic control nearby after the Lions game, Detroit Police Chief James White said Sunday.
Under state law, Worthy said, a person may use deadly force when necessary to protect themselves or others from imminent death or great bodily harm. After Welch drew his weapon, the shooter was “justified” to shoot him, she said.
“A thorough review of the facts and evidence shows that the shooter acted in lawful self-defense. The shooting was justified,” she said. “There is insufficient evidence to charge the shooter with a crime.”
Worthy said Welch and Palmer suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Palmer was pronounced dead at the scene. Welch was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that day.
Palmer, who was also known as Rayshawn Bryant, will be remembered as a loving father of four who tried to make peace after his murder.
A candlelight vigil was held Monday evening, and a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his children and funeral expenses had raised $13,850 as of Wednesday evening.
“Mr. Palmer was an innocent bystander who was not involved in the fight,” the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office said in a press release. “The evidence suggests that Mr. Palmer acted as a peacemaker and attempted to prevent Welch and the other men from fighting.”
The shooting led to rapid policy changes at Eastern Market.
In a statement Tuesday, Eastern Market officials said they were canceling the Sept. 30 tailgate event “out of respect for the victims and their families.”
After that, officials plan to continue allowing tailgating parties on the private Eastern Market property for the remainder of the Lions’ season, but with “additional and important safety protocols” that have not yet been announced, the statement said.
White said police will support Eastern Market’s plan to create a “gun-free zone” with the same measures police use at other gun-free venues and events.
Lions coach Dan Campbell called the killings “tragic” on Monday and urged people to “look out for each other.”
Neither Detroit police nor the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office immediately responded to The Detroit News’ request for the police report on the incident.
The Wayne County District Attorney’s Office is not naming people who are not charged with a crime. The Detroit News has also chosen not to publish the shooter’s name.
Max Reinhart (@Max_DetroitNews) / X
