OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The father of the person suspected in a shooting at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets that left one dead and another injured released a statement on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old man suspected in the deadly shooting has since been released from jail pending further investigation, as the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office continues reviewing the case.
The shooting occurred Saturday in the mall’s food court. Police say the suspect, a valid Concealed Pistol License holder, told authorities he was attacked by two people before opening fire.
A 20-year-old man was killed, and a 19-year-old woman was shot but is expected to survive.
Video could be key in self-defense argument
Local 4 showed six seconds of video to longtime Detroit attorney Lillian Diallo. She believes the footage could be central to the case.
The video shows two people punching and kicking a man on the ground before he pulls a gun and fires.
“It’s two against one. He is getting kicked in his face, and head area. These are all areas that could seriously injure, if not kill you,” Diallo said.
Diallo said prosecutors likely have access to additional video, but based on what she reviewed, she believes there is a strong self-defense argument.
“This right here—this would be a defense attorney’s dream case if there is such a thing as far as self-defense. It’s textbook,” she said.
Self-defense standard: Imminent danger must be proven
Under Michigan law, a self-defense claim requires proving the individual faced imminent danger of serious injury or death. Diallo said the video speaks to that standard.
“It speaks for itself. You see it unfolding. Unfortunately, it might only be those six seconds, but those are some impactful six seconds right there,” she said.
Police say the altercation did not begin in the food court — the two parties reportedly had an earlier encounter before crossing paths again inside the mall.
Weapons-free zone unlikely to affect criminal case
Great Lakes Crossing is designated a weapons-free zone, but legal experts indicate that designation may have little bearing on the criminal case. While carrying a firearm on the property violated a private policy, it did not constitute a violation of criminal gun laws.
Diallo emphasized the legal responsibility that comes with firearm ownership.
“As a gun owner, you have to make sure you only pull your weapon if you have to. You are not pulling your weapon to show it off or brandish it; you are pulling it to stop a threat. That is textbook. You pull the weapon to stop the threat,” she said.
Father of CPL holder comments
Family of the shooter told Local 4 that the shooter is a rapper in the Detroit area, but they initially declined to comment further on the case.
On July 15, the father of the CPL holder released a statement to Local 4. Here’s the full statement:
“We are deeply saddened about this tragic event that took place that Saturday evening. My son, whose name is Amuri, is a good person who would never want to hurt anyone; he is a father, a loving son. An older sibling to his many brothers & sisters. After high school, he pursued his musical talents and has since given back to his community, even leading a food drive this past Christmas that fed over 1,000 homeless people. We send our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims. Violence as a whole has to stop. Too many young people losing their lives. We must get back to loving one another and coexisting together.”
The man killed has been identified as 20-year-old Keshawn Emery of Pontiac.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet announced a charging decision.