Shooter Won't Be Charged in Killing of 3 at Detroit Gas Station

No charges will be filed in the fatal shootings of three people at a Detroit gas station after a middle-of-the-night car crash following an illegal drag racing event, authorities said Wednesday. There is not enough evidence to overcome a self-defense claim by the 22-year-old suspect, the Wayne County prosecutor's office said. Lester Owens III, 24, Jasmine Sheeler, 24, and sibling Trevor Sheeler Jr., 25, all from Detroit, were killed early Sunday, the AP reports. Occupants of both cars were at an illegal drag racing event that was broken up by police, Assistant Chief FD Hayes told WDIV.

After leaving that scene, their cars were involved in a collision, and the Sheelers and Owens—at least one of whom was armed—followed the other car to a gas station where they physically confronted its driver and passengers, the prosecutor's office said. "The suspect who was seated in the rear of the vehicle fired a weapon, fatally wounding the three victims," the prosecutor's office said. "Under Michigan law, a person can use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm to themselves or others." Police recovered multiple guns at the scene. The suspect, who had a license to carry a gun, remained at the scene and cooperated with officers.

Hayes said that as the vehicle containing the Sheelers and Owens chased the other car, "one of the occupants pointed an AK-style pistol out of the window." "Our victims were the ones pursuing," he said, per WDIV. "They were in the vehicle that brandished a firearm on the freeway and then pulled nose-to-nose with the individual who fired the shots." The assistant chief urged the public to avoid illegal drag racing events. "If you're not out here at these events, this is one less issue you'd have to worry about," he said. "Please don't go. Please don't participate."