Self-Defense Ruling in Detroit Tailgate Shooting Sparks Controversy

A concealed carrier involved in a fatal incident at a Detroit Lions tailgate won’t face charges, as the Wayne County Prosecutor has declared the shooting an act of self-defense. The incident, which took place at the Eastern Market, was captured on cellphone video and involved a confrontation that escalated quickly.

Jalen Welch, the assailant, allegedly pulled a gun and threatened a 40-year-old man, who is a legal concealed pistol owner. In response, the 40-year-old fired a single shot that struck Welch in the head, fatally wounding him.

Tragically, the same bullet also hit an innocent bystander, RayShawn Palmer, who was also killed.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated, “In this case, the shooter was not involved with the physical altercation, or any crime, when Mr. Welch pulled out his weapon and threatened him with deadly force.”

“It is only then that the shooter drew his weapon and fired one-time striking Mr. Welch, and unfortunately striking Mr. Palmer,” Worthy added. “A thorough review of the facts and evidence shows that the shooter acted in lawful self-defense. The shooting was justified. There is insufficient evidence to charge the shooter with any crime.”

The shooter’s attorney expressed relief over the decision.

“My client is very pleased he is not being charged with a crime; it was agonizing sitting in jail for three days awaiting the decision,” the attorney told WJBK-TV.

“He is dealing with a lot of emotions. He feels terrible for the family of the bystander and wishes to extend his condolences, but he is grateful to return to his family. His right to exercise to protect his life and others is absolute. He did nothing to forfeit that right.”

Despite the ruling, Palmer’s family is devastated and angry that no charges are being filed against the shooter.

“This is unbelievable that an individual shoots someone — even though he had a CPL — in an environment like this,” said Jermaine Little, Palmer’s brother. “It could have been a 5-year-old. Unfortunately, it was my brother, and so my whole family is here. We are grieving. We are hurt, and we want some answers.”

Little continued, “Our brother’s gone. This is an individual that wanted to give back, did give back, loved his family, was not a violent person, loved to dance. Just wanted to entertain and for this to happen, for trying to stop something that was happening, it’s unacceptable.”

Palmer’s family has vowed to challenge the no-charges ruling.

“We’re not going to give up,” Little noted. “If we got to get out here every day, if we got to post things, if we got to march — whatever we got to do. We just want some answers. Give us some answers.”

This incident highlights the complexities and emotional toll of self-defense cases, especially when innocent lives are lost.

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

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