After a thorough investigation into the shooting incident that took place at Eastern Market and resulted in the tragic deaths of Jalen Welch and Rayshawn Palmer, the Wayne County prosecutor’s office has announced that no charges will be filed in the case.
The decision was made based on the available evidence and by the applicable laws and legal standards.
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Investigators found the 40-year-old who fired one shot that killed Jalen Welch, 25, and Rayshawn Palmer, 40, both of Detroit, acted in “lawful self-defense,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy in a news release Wednesday afternoon.
“We have reviewed this case thoroughly and this is a case of lawful self-defense,” Worthy said. “It is absolutely tragic that during all the fun and merrymaking at a Lions tailgate that two lives were lost. The first was Mr. Welch, who was the one who first pulled out a gun and was shot by the 40-year-old, a lawful CPL (concealed pistol license) holder, who was defending himself.
“And then, perhaps the most heartbreaking of all is the fact that a completely and totally innocent bystander, Mr. Palmer was shot and killed with the same bullet that passed through the head of Mr. Welch,” Worthy added.
The incident happened at about 4:30 p.m. at Shed 6 on Riopelle Street, where thousands of people were gathered for a tailgate event following a Detroit Lions game at nearby Ford Field.
Authorities said a large fight broke out, then the combatants dispersed before a verbal altercation followed a few feet from where the physical fight had taken place.
Welch then allegedly walked into the middle of the argument holding a pistol in a threatening manner while approaching the shooter, the prosecutor said in the release.
“The shooter then removed his concealed pistol from near his waist and shot Mr. Welch one time,” Worthy said.
An Oak Park man was arrested by officers who were working post-Lions game traffic detail nearby, 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” in firing at 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 any crime.”
Worthy said Welch and Palmer suffered gunshot wounds to their heads. Palmer was pronounced dead at the scene. Welch was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that day.
The Wayne County prosecutor’s office has concluded its investigation into the Eastern Market shooting that resulted in the deaths of Jalen Welch and Rayshawn Palmer. It has been ruled as self-defense.
