CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department say they won't be charging the man who shot and killed a teenager earlier this year.

• Police say the shooting was justified due to self defense
• Incident happened at a QT convenience store
• A 17-year-old died following the shooting

Investigators say 17-year-old Daquan Shannon, the cousin of Mario Black, a well anti-teen violence activist, was involved in a fight moments before he was killed.

It’s information the Shannon family says they learned on what would have been Daquan’s daughter’s first birthday.

The man who shot and killed the 17-year-old back on March 4 outside an east Charlotte QT was never charged and CMPD said Wednesday Renard Armstrong won't face any charges.

"The shooting was actually justified," explained Capt. Chris Dozier.

It all started that night with a group of men stopping at the QT at the intersection of Sharon Amity Road and Central Avenue for drinks.

"A group of individuals were here for the CIAA tournament events," Dozier added.

Police say, once inside the store, that group got into an altercation with another group that included Shannon and 17-year-old Tyrell Gaston.

"They didn't want them to talk to their girls," Dozier explained.

He also said Gaston brandished a weapon at the other group.

"Once they saw the gun, the party attempted to leave,” Dozier said. “When they did that, the group followed them to the car and engaged them again in fighting."

Dozier says Gaston then took out the gun, "and was punching individuals inside the car."

Armstrong, CMPD says, took out his legally-owned weapon and fired. He missed Gaston and Shannon was struck in the chest instead.

Police saying if it had been an innocent bystander in the store getting killed, for instance, murder charges also would not have been likely in that case. "He [Armstrong] felt like his life was in imminent danger and he fired in self defense," Dozier said.

Detectives say they interviewed the victim's, witnesses and reviewed surveillance video from inside the QT and that they all corroborated the same story.

We received a written statement via text from Mario Black, family spokesperson for the Shannon family:

On behalf of Tawana Shannon & Lacosta Doby and the family of Daquan Shannon we would like to formally say THANK YOU to everyone within the Charlotte community, our family, extended family and friends for your continued prayers and support during this difficult time. The last few months have been a nightmare but we continue pressing forward leaning on one another and knowing that is what Daquan would have wanted us to do is what’s getting us through these dark days suck as today.

Know that as his family we are forever grateful for each of you, and although our hearts are heavy and torn this afternoon just as much as they were in March when you were taken away from us. Words cannot describe this pain and today doesn’t ease the pain as we are supposed to be celebrating “Ki” Birthday with Slim, her and her Mom. Instead we are having to celebrate it with his daughter without his presence. It was such a hurtful thing for it to be release today on his daughters 1st Birthday. 

It was not and is not the outcome we had hoped for but with our faith totally trusted in God, we as a family will continue to trust GOD during this process for we know that although due Justice wasn’t served here physically God will handle it all in his timing.

We are hurt, We are angry, At the end of the day we lost a 17 year old who enjoyed life, this isn’t fair at all. DaQuan’s death is now in vain. The system has failed us. DaQuan did not deserve to go out like this. All I can say is pick your friends wisely. He lost his life over a situation that he had no parts in and now these so called friends walking around FREE like everything is ok. NOT AT ALL! Then you have as well as the shooter. As his family we are all completely devastated beyond words this evening. 

With that being said we ask that everyone respect our family privacy during this time. All questions and or concerns can be directed directly to Mario Black.

We love each and everyone of you.

-The Family Of DaQuan Shannon