Jalen Welch dies in fatal Detroit shooting. Fatal Detroit shooting death of Jalen Welch – Obituary
Jalen Welch dies in fatal Detroit shooting. Fatal Detroit shooting death of Jalen Welch – Obituary
No charges will be brought against the individual who fatally shot two men at Eastern Market after a Detroit Lions game, as the Wayne County prosecutor concluded the incident was an act of self-defense.
The prosecutor’s office determined that the 40-year-old shooter acted lawfully when he discharged his weapon, resulting in the deaths of Welch, 25, and Rayshawn Palmer, 40, both residents of Detroit. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated in a press release that the circumstances warranted the use of force.
“This case has been thoroughly reviewed and confirmed to be lawful self-defense,” Worthy said. “It’s tragic that amidst the festivities of a Lions tailgate, two lives were lost. Mr. Welch was the aggressor, brandishing a firearm, prompting the shooter, who holds a concealed pistol license, to defend himself.”
Worthy emphasized the heartbreaking nature of Palmer’s death, noting he was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. “Mr. Palmer was fatally injured by the same bullet that struck Mr. Welch,” she added.
The altercation occurred around 4:30 p.m. at Shed 6 on Riopelle Street, where many gathered for a tailgate event following a Lions game at Ford Field. A large fight broke out, and as the crowd dispersed, a verbal confrontation ensued nearby.
Welch allegedly entered the argument brandishing a firearm threateningly, leading the shooter to pull out his own weapon and fire a single shot, striking Welch.
An individual from Oak Park was arrested by officers who were on traffic detail in the area, as confirmed by Detroit Police Chief James White.
According to state law, deadly force is permissible for self-defense when there is an immediate threat of death or serious injury. After Welch drew his weapon, Worthy stated the shooter was justified in his actions.
“Evidence supports that the shooter acted in lawful self-defense, and there is no basis to charge him with any crime,” she affirmed. Both Welch and Palmer suffered head injuries; Palmer was pronounced dead on-site, while Welch later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Palmer, also known as Rayshawn Bryant, is being remembered as a devoted father of four, reportedly attempting to mediate the situation before his death. A candlelight vigil was held in his honor, and a GoFundMe campaign for his family raised over $13,000 as of Wednesday evening.
The shooting has prompted immediate policy changes at Eastern Market. Officials announced the cancellation of the upcoming tailgate event scheduled for September 30 as a sign of respect for the victims and their families. Future tailgating will resume, but with enhanced security measures yet to be disclosed.
Chief White expressed support for the initiative to create a “weapon-free zone” at Eastern Market, mirroring strategies used at other designated gun-free events.
Lions Coach Dan Campbell referred to the incident as “tragic,” urging the community to look out for one another. Neither the Detroit Police Department nor the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office responded to requests for the incident report.
The prosecutor’s office does not disclose names of individuals not charged, and the identity of the shooter has not been released by the media.
Jalen Welch dies in fatal Detroit shooting. Fatal Detroit shooting death of Jalen Welch – Obituary No charges will be brought against the individual who fatally shot two men at Eastern Market after a Detroit Lions game, as the Wayne County prosecutor concluded the incident was an act of self-defense. The prosecutor’s office determined that…
Jalen Welch dies in fatal Detroit shooting. Fatal Detroit shooting death of Jalen Welch – Obituary No charges will be brought against the individual who fatally shot two men at Eastern Market after a Detroit Lions game, as the Wayne County prosecutor concluded the incident was an act of self-defense. The prosecutor’s office determined that…