DETROIT — The Michigan Court of Appeals has dismissed a manslaughter charge against a gas station clerk in Detroit, who previously locked the door before an irate customer opened fire, resulting in the death of one bystander and injuries to two others.
Prosecutors argued that clerk Al-Hassan Aiyash should be held criminally accountable for his actions. However, the appeals court concluded that an involuntary manslaughter charge was not applicable in this case.
The court determined that it was “not reasonably foreseeable” for Aiyash to predict that customer Samuel McCray would resort to gun violence.
During the incident, which occurred at 3 a.m. in May 2023, Aiyash was behind protective glass when McCray’s failed $3.80 electronic transaction escalated into a violent confrontation. Surveillance footage captured McCray’s aggressive behavior as he threatened to leave the gas station with merchandise. After three additional customers entered, Aiyash locked the door to prevent their exit.
While the door was eventually opened, the tragic sequence of events resulted in one fatality and two injuries before anyone could escape.
Prosecutors sought to maintain the case’s momentum, referencing a significant 2023 legal precedent relating to the parents of Ethan Crumbley, the Michigan school shooter, arguing that the actions of parents could be seen as foreseeable. However, the appeals court clarified that the Crumbley case did not apply in this situation.
“Establishing criminal liability for the intentional misconduct of a third party remains an exception,” the court stated in its unanimous decision.
The prosecutor’s office may request the Michigan Supreme Court to review the case, with a spokesperson indicating they are currently considering their options.
Meanwhile, McCray is set to stand trial in October facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
