DETROIT (AP) — A man who fired a single shot that killed two people at a popular tailgating spot Sunday after the Detroit Lions game acted in self-defense and will not face charges, authorities said Wednesday.
“It is absolutely tragic that two lives were lost in all the fun and frolic at a Lions race,” said Wayne County District Attorney Kym Worthy.
The 40-year-old gunman, who had a permit to carry a handgun, only fired after feeling threatened by Jalen Welch, 25, who displayed a weapon during an argument at Eastern Market, an open-air market, Worthy said.
Welch was shot in the head Sunday, and the same bullet struck and killed a 40-year-old bystander, Rayshawn Palmer, who was trying to make peace, Worthy said.
Police initially reported that the shooter had fired twice.
“It could have been any of us,” Worthy said. “We looked at all the applicable laws and there is no crime that can be charged and proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Tampa Bay had just defeated the Lions 20-16 at nearby Ford Field.
