The Michigan Court of Appeals threw out a manslaughter charge against a Detroit gas station clerk who locked the door before an angry customer shot three bystanders , killing one.
Prosecutors have argued that clerk Al-Hassan Aiyash's actions make him criminally responsible. But the appeals court said an involuntary manslaughter charge doesn't fit.
It was "not reasonably foreseeable" that the customer, Samuel McCray, would pull out a gun and start shooting, the court said Wednesday.
Aiyash was working behind protective glass at 3 a.m. when McCray's failed attempt to make a $3.80 electronic purchase turned into violence in May 2023.
Video showed McCray repeatedly cursing and insisting he was going to leave the gas station with the items. Three more people entered before Aiyash pushed a button to lock the door, keeping the four inside.
