In this Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013 photo, Charles Hannah lights Theresa Walker’s candle, left, at a candlelight vigil for Renisha McBride in the front of the home where she was shot in Dearborn Heights, Mich. No charges have been filed after authorities said McBride, of Detroit, was killed by a shotgun blast to the face early Saturday in Dearborn Heights. According to police, the homeowner told investigators that he thought someone was trying to break into his home and accidentally discharged the gun. (AP Photo/Detroit News, Ricardo Thomas) DETROIT FREE PRESS OUT; HUFFINGTON POST OUT
Vigil for Renisha McBride
In this Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013 photo, from left, Pastor W. J. Rideout, Renisha McBride’s aunt Bernita Spinks and Ron Scott speak to the media during a vigil in Dearborn Heights, Mich., for Renisha McBride in the front of the home where she shot early Saturday. No charges have been filed after authorities said McBride, of Detroit, was killed by a shotgun blast to the face early Saturday in Dearborn Heights. According to police, the homeowner told investigators that he thought someone was trying to break into his home and accidentally discharged the gun.(AP Photo/Detroit News, Ricardo Thomas) DETROIT FREE PRESS OUT; HUFFINGTON POST OUT
Porch Shooting
Siwatu-Salama Ra, 22, of Detroit speaks to the crowd during a rally to protest the shooting death of Renisha McBride at the Dearborn Heights Justice Center on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013. Protesters and civil rights groups are calling for justice after a suburban Detroit homeowner fatally shot the 19-year-old woman on the porch of his home. No charges have been filed after authorities said McBride, of Detroit, was killed by a shotgun blast to the face early Saturday in Dearborn Heights. According to police, the homeowner told investigators that he thought someone was trying to break into his home and accidentally discharged the gun. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Kimberly P. Mitchell)
Porch Shooting
Protesters hold signs during a rally to protest the shooting death of Renisha McBride at the Dearborn Heights Justice Center on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013. Protesters and civil rights groups are calling for justice after a suburban Detroit homeowner fatally shot the 19-year-old woman on the porch of his home. No charges have been filed after authorities said McBride, of Detroit, was killed by a shotgun blast to the face early Saturday in Dearborn Heights. According to police, the homeowner told investigators that he thought someone was trying to break into his home and accidentally discharged the gun. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Kimberly P. Mitchell)
Porch Shooting
Flyers are passed during a rally to protest the shooting death of Renisha McBride at the Dearborn Heights Justice Center on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013. Protesters and civil rights groups are calling for justice after a suburban Detroit homeowner fatally shot the 19-year-old woman on the porch of his home. No charges have been filed after authorities said McBride, of Detroit, was killed by a shotgun blast to the face early Saturday in Dearborn Heights. According to police, the homeowner told investigators that he thought someone was trying to break into his home and accidentally discharged the gun. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Kimberly P. Mitchell)
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DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) — 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, man told investigators that he thought someone was trying to break into his home and accidentally discharged the gun.
“She was shot in the front of the face, near the mouth.” police Lt. James Serwatowski told the Detroit Free Press.
McBride’s family this week 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.
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.
“I’m confident when the evidence comes it will show that my client was justified and acted as a reasonable person would who was in fear for his life,” Cheryl Carpenter, one of two lawyers representing the 54-year-old man, told The Detroit News.
A lawyer for McBride’s family said it’s doubtful her death was an accident.
“It’s hard to … believe it’s an accident when a gun is in her face and the trigger is pulled,” attorney Gerald Thurswell told the News.
A funeral for McBride was taking place on Friday.
McBride’s death has drawn attention from civil rights groups including the NAACP and the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. They called in part for a thorough investigation into the shooting.
“We are in prayer for the family of Renisha Mcbride but we are also urgently calling for justice,” Sharpton said in a statement.
