KALAMAZOO, Mich. – A judge in Kalamazoo County sentenced Damien Lang, 29, of Lansing, to spend 70 to 100 years in prison for second-degree murder in the shooting death of 21-year-old Bryce Salter. Lang was also sentenced to a minimum of 10 years for other charges including felony firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition.
The sentencing came after Lang was found guilty of mercilessly and intentionally gunning down Salter, who was a father to a 4-month-old daughter he never had the chance to meet. Salter’s father, Brandon Salter, described his son as respectful, humble, and loving, with a great smile.
The incident occurred at a strip mall near Western Michigan University’s Campus, where surveillance video showed Lang arguing with Salter before fatally shooting him. Lang claimed he confronted Salter because he thought he was going to steal his car, although he later admitted to blacking out during the shooting.
During the trial, Lang’s defense argued that he did not intend to kill anyone, while the prosecutor emphasized the premeditated nature of the shooting. Lang was arrested in Lansing after investigators tracked his cell phone, and evidence was found at the scene including shell casings and Salter’s red hat.
Salter, who was not a WMU student at the time of his death, leaves behind a legacy of a life cut short and a young daughter who will never know her father. The sentencing underscores the tragic loss of life and the impact of gun violence on families and communities.