Protesters, civil rights groups seek justice after Detroit-area man kills woman on his porch

Renisha McBridge shot dead in Dearborn Heights

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Protesters and civil rights groups are calling for justice after a suburban Detroit homeowner fatally shot a 19-year-old woman on the porch of his home.

No charges have been filed after authorities said Renisha McBride, of Detroit, was killed by a shotgun blast to the face early Saturday in Dearborn Heights. According to police, the man told investigators that he thought someone was trying to break into his home and accidentally discharged the gun.

McBride's family said she likely approached the home to seek help after getting into a car accident nearby.

"He shot her in the head ... for what? For knocking on his door," her aunt, Bernita Spinks, said.

Earlier this week, police said they requested a warrant authorizing in the case. The Wayne County prosecutor's office sent the request back to police Wednesday for additional investigation before making a charging decision.

"We will not be able to make a charging decision until the requested work has been completed," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

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A vigil was held Wednesday at the home. About 50 people rallied Thursday outside the police department.

The homeowner hasn't been arrested or named by police.

A funeral for McBride is scheduled for Friday.

McBride's death has drawn attention from civil rights groups including the NAACP and the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network. Sharpton offered his condolences to the family of McBride before expressing concerns about the justice of the situation, in light of the shooter's claim that his actions were justified.

"We want this case tried in the courts," Rev Charles Williams II said. "This is a clear case of murder; it is a clear case of innocent life being lost as one calls for help."

The civil rights activist believes that if McBride's killer isn't tried in court, this type of incident could continue to occur in the state of Michigan. He called for community support in a rally that will seek justice for the death on Saturday.

"Renisha McBride deserves justice today," Williams said. "We must also make sure that justice is upheld when it comes to those who are shot down on porches and shot down in communities for asking for simple help."