Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced that no charges will be filed against a 40-year-old man over the fatal shooting of two individuals at Eastern Market last Sunday, in what has been ruled a case of self-defense. The decision comes after an investigation into the shooting, which occurred at a Detroit Lions tailgate party, and led to the deaths of Jalen Welch, 25, and Rayshawn Palmer, also known as Rayshawn Bryant, 40, both from Detroit, The Detroit News reported

According to Worthy's statement provided to the Detroit Free Press, the incident unfolded following a fight near Shed 6, a fight that did not directly involve the shooter. Subsequently, Welch entered a verbal altercation, armed and appearing to threaten the shooter, which led to the lethal response. Welch and the shooter were both registered to carry and under Michigan law, the use of deadly force is permissible when one "honestly and reasonably" believes it is necessary to prevent imminent harm or death.

The same bullet that struck Welch was also the one that tragically killed Palmer, who evidence suggests was attempting to de-escalate the situation, according to WWJ Newsradio. The office concluded that the shooter was justified in firing given the perceived threat. While Palmer's family is grieving and expressing their pain and disappointment in the outcome, expressed in interviews with Detroit Free Press, Worthy's office emphasized the legal basis for the decision, stating no crime can be charged and proven beyond reasonable doubt.

In the wake of the shooting, Eastern Market authorities have canceled the upcoming tailgate event scheduled for September 30th and are looking to implement tightened security protocols and designate the area as a "weapon free zone," as reported by The Detroit News.