Family of innocent victim is furious because no charges were filed

DETROIT (FOX 2) – Investigators believe the shooter was in Double fatal shooting at Eastern Market acted in self-defense during a Lions fans tailgate party on Sunday.

A shot was fired, killing the attacker, Jalen Welch, who allegedly pulled out his own gun and initially threatened the 40-year-old. The shooter, who legally owned a concealed handgun, then fatally wounded Welch with a shot through the head – which also fatally wounded innocent bystander RayShawn Palmer.

“I will never see another video of my uncle, I will never see anything like that again. I will never go on Facebook and see anything like that again,” said Deja Little, Palmer's niece.

Palmer's family is experiencing heartache and despair for the second time after learning that no charges will be filed against the man who killed him and another man with a single gunshot.

Wayne County District Attorney Kim Worthy described the shooting at Eastern Market last Sunday as an act of lawful self-defense.

“We just want answers,” Little said. “I'll be here every day, at every event. I'll be anywhere Rayshawn Bryant is being talked about, I'll be there.”

A cell phone video captured a fight that day, showing Palmer, wearing a blue jersey, rushing over to break up the fight.

Prosecutors said Palmer was an innocent bystander who was simply trying to make the peace.

“Our brother died,” said Jermaine Little, Palmer's brother. “He's a person who wanted to give back, and he gave back, he loved his family – he wasn't a violent person, he loved to dance. He just wanted to entertain, and for something like that to happen, for him to try to stop something that was happening, is unacceptable.”

A statement from Worthy reads in part:

“In this case, the shooter was not involved in the physical altercation or any crime when Mr. Welch drew his weapon and threatened him with deadly force. Only then did the shooter draw his weapon and fire once, striking Mr. Welch and, unfortunately, Mr. Palmer. A thorough review of the facts and evidence shows that the shooter acted in lawful self-defense. The shooting was justified. There is insufficient evidence to charge the shooter with any crime.”

“It's unbelievable that someone would shoot someone in that environment – even though he had a CPL,” said Jermaine. “It could have been a five-year-old. Unfortunately, it was my brother and that's why my whole family is here. We're grieving. We're hurting and we want answers.”

Palmer's family says their fight for justice has only just begun.

“We're not going to give up. We're not going to fight. When we go out here every day, when we post things, when we march – whatever we have to do,” Jermaine said. “We just want some answers. Give us some answers. Since it was their family member, they would want some answers. Just give us some answers.”

The shooter's lawyer said in a statement: “My client is very happy that he is not charged with a crime. Sitting in jail for three days waiting for the decision was torture. He is dealing with many emotions. He feels terrible sympathy for the bystander's family and would like to express his condolences, but he is grateful to be able to return to his family.”

“His right to protect his life and that of others is absolute. He has done nothing to forfeit that right.”