No Charges In Detroit Lions Tailgate Shooting That Left 2 Dead: Police

DETROIT — A man who fatally shot two people at a Detroit Lions tailgate party last Sunday acted in self-defense and will not face charges, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

Rayshawn Palmer, 40, and Jalen Welch, 25, were shot to death during a fight at 4:30 p.m. in Detroit's Eastern Market Shed 6 neighborhood, at Riopelle and Wilkins streets near Ford Field, according to police.

Police said roughly five men got into a fight at the popular tailgate spot after the Detroit Lions game Sunday afternoon.

The 40-year-old shooter was not involved in the fight, but was nearby, according to police.

As the fight escalated, Welch walked into the middle of the fight and approached the shooter while holding a handgun in a "threatening manner," according to police.

That's when police said the shooter pulled his gun from his waist and fired the one shot, which struck Welch in the head, according to police.

The bullet went through Welch's head and hit Palmer in the head, according to police.

Palmer was an innocent bystander trying to calm down the situation between the shooter and Welch, according to police.

Welch was shot dead at the scene, while Palmer was taken to a nearby hospital where he died the next day, according to police.

The shooter stayed at the scene and was arrested in connection with the shooting, according to police.

Police said Welch and the shooter were lawful CPL holders.

Michigan law says that an individual is allowed to use force, including deadly force, when necessary to protect themselves and in defense of others.

"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," the prosecutor's office said. "It is only then that the shooter drew his weapon and fired one-time striking Mr. Welch, and unfortunately striking Mr. Palmer."

The popular Eastern Market tailgate spot will be closed for the next Lions home game on Sept. 30 for Monday Night Football.