2 men shot outside party in Ypsilanti Twp; 1 in critical condition

Two men shot outside a birthday party in Ypsilanti Township, now the victims are in the hospital and police are searching for the suspect.

The 22-year-old victims were attending a house party late Monday night celebrating the birthday of their friend who was shot and killed last summer.

One man was shot in the upper leg and is expected to survive. Friends of the other victim, identified as Damon Etchison, say he was shot in the head and in critical condition.

Malik Mullen was also at the party and says he was in the house when he heard the gun shots.

"I just saw a bunch of cop cars and I heard 'Damon breathe, Damon breathe,'" Mullen said. "I was in shock. I saw my friend being pulled out of the car."

Deputies arrived to find the two victims inside a car parked on Oswego Road.

Washtenaw County Sheriff's Deputies believe this may be another case of ongoing gang-related gun violence.

"I don't know if these were the intended targets," said Derrick Jackson, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department. "But clearly we've had a history of this back and forth."

So far, no arrests have been made.

"Our deputies and detectives are working hard to find out who did this and why they did this," Jackson said. "It is a matter of time before we find out."

And while deputies ask for tips, Malik asks for prayers.

"We're just praying for Damon now, everybody pray for Damon," Mullen said.