Christopher Welch, 16

Detroit, Michigan
April 07, 1994

Agencies: Detroit Police Department Michigan

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

Christopher Welch was 16 when he was shot in the face by Officer Mark Burke on April 7, 1994. Burke and his partner, in street clothes and driving an unmarked car, responded to a report about several young people fighting and shots fired in a fast-food restaurant parking lot. With his gun in one hand and a flashlight in the other, Burke jumped out of the car and ordered the group over to the car. Welch kept walking away, and Burke fired twice at him, striking him in the jaw. Burke said he thought Welch, who was holding chili fries, was reaching for a gun.