DETROIT (AP) — A man who fired a shot that killed two people at a popular tailgate spot after Sunday’s Detroit Lions game acted in self-defense and will not face charges, authorities said Wednesday.
“It is absolutely tragic that under all the fun and joy at a Lions tailgate that two lives were lost,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
The 40-year-old shooter, who was licensed to carry a concealed handgun, only fired after he felt threatened by Jalen Welch, 25, who displayed a gun during an altercation at Eastern Market, an outdoor market, Worthy said.
Welch was shot in the head on Sunday. The same bullet then struck and killed a 40-year-old bystander, Rayshawn Palmer, who was trying to act as a peacemaker, Worthy said.
Police had initially said the shooter fired twice.
“It could have been any of us,” Worthy said. “We looked at all applicable law and there is no crime that can be charged and proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Tampa Bay had just defeated the Lions nearby at Ford Field, 8-4 p.m.