DETROIT – The family of a 40-year-old man who was killed in 2024 at a Detroit Lions tailgate in Eastern Market is suing three companies responsible for running and managing the event, alleging their negligence contributed to his death.
During the altercation, a man drew a gun and pointed it at another man, who responded by drawing his own gun and firing in self-defense, killing the instigator.
Palmer, who was not involved in the conflict but reportedly tried to de-escalate the situation, was also hit by the bullet and killed.
The lawsuit names Eastern Market Corporation and Bullseye Event Group LLC as defendants in their roles as organizers and promoters of the event.
It also names Shield Security Consultants and Protection Services LLC, which was contracted to provide security at the tailgate.
The complaint alleges the defendants knew about a history of fights and violence at these events but did not do enough to prevent the shooting that killed Palmer.
A statement from Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan and attorney David Stechow reads:
“Rayshawn Palmer’s six children will now go through life without their father because of an act of violence that we believe was preventable.
Our lawsuit alleges that, despite a history of fights and violent incidents at Eastern Market, the defendants moved forward with inadequate security that allowed violence to escalate into a shooting that killed a beloved father, son, brother, and uncle.
Mr. Palmer’s family has been absolutely devastated and will never be made whole again, but they are seeking justice and accountability in hopes that no one else has to endure the type of loss that they have.”
Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan and attorney David Stechow
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