The person who shot and killed a Detroit man during an after-prom party in Hazel Park appears to have fired in self-defense, authorities said.
Hazel Park police said the 21-year-old shooter has been released from custody after a witness supported the shooter’s claim that the gunfire stemmed from a robbery that took place during the party.
At about 1:15 a.m. Friday, police responded to the area of Powell and Orchard avenues, near Interstate 75 and Nine Mile Road. Upon arrival, officers saw a crowd fleeing a home in the 23000 block of Powell.
A 20-year-old Detroit man found outside the home had suffered a gunshot wound, authorities said. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A 19-year-old woman from Pontiac suffered a non-life-threatening wound in the incident. She remained hospitalized as of Monday, according to police.
Evidence indicates that the man was shot after he pointed a gun at someone at the party and stole their watch, authorities said. The person who fired the gun had a valid permit to carry a firearm and told police they fired in self-defense, after witnessing the robbery.
Authorities previously said the home was a short-term rental and that the party did not involve any students from the Hazel Park School District.
The incident remains under investigation, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call Hazel Park Police Department at (248) 542-6161.
mreinhart@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Hazel Park after-prom shooting suspect appears to have fired in self-defense
Reporting by Max Reinhart, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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