The tailgate party near Ford Field in Detroit was to celebrate the resurgent Lions, but an aggressive act led to a shooting that is now ruled as self-defense.
The September 15 postgame event was tragically marred by what witnesses described as a “physical altercation” between several NFL fans. The fatal encounter escalated when one reveler, 25-year-old Jalen Welch, produced a handgun and displayed it to others.
Witnesses told investigators that Welch approached an unidentified 40-year-old male. He was licensed to carry a firearm and pulled his weapon out when Welch brandished the handgun.
Prosecutors determined the older man fired one shot at Welch, striking him in the head. He passed away the next day at a Detroit hospital.
Unfortunately, the bullet that struck Welch also impacted 40-year-old Rashawn Palmer in the head. His only apparent involvement in the altercation was as a peacemaker, but he was also fatally wounded.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy noted that video evidence of the incident supported the self-defense argument. Authorities had to determine whether the shooter legitimately feared for his life, and apparently, there was enough evidence to support that conclusion.
Adam Clements is the defense attorney for the shooter, and he pointed to footage of the encounter as the proof needed to justify his client’s actions. “We could not speak more clearly than the video did, and the video speaks for itself, and we believe that my client acted in absolute self-defense in this regard.”
The prosecutor’s office noted the death of the bystander in a press release. “This single gunshot resulted in the death of two individuals. Mr. Palmer was an innocent bystander who was not involved in the fight. Evidence indicates that Mr. Palmer was acting as a peacemaker and trying to discourage Mr. Welch and the other men from arguing.”
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