Sterling family speaks after judge dismisses charges
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A family's call for justice is now back to square one after the case did not even make it to trial before a federal judge dismissed the charges.
Samuel Sterling, 25, was killed in August 2024 after former Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Brian Keely hit Sterling with a cruiser. Sterling was hospitalized and later died.
'The message that it is sending is that law enforcement is able to do whatever they want to do,' Jermar Sterling, Samuel Sterling's cousin told News 8. 'My last 24 hours have been sleepless.'
Keely was charged with second degree murder and manslaughter. His case started in state court, but was moved into federal court after a motion by the defense, which said it belonged there because Keely was acting as part of a U.S. Marshals task force when the death happened. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office has disputed that argument.
Judge tosses case against former MSP sgt in death of Samuel Sterling
On Thursday, a federal judge dismissed the case. That decision sparked outrage among the family.
'I am motivated, I'm tired, I'm tired of no accountability, I am tired of seeing my people, which are my community feared and not knowing what to do next. I am tired of being traumatized based on the presence of law enforcement,' Jermar Sterling said.
'I still believe in our justice system, I just believe right now our justice system is being exposed and I believe God is trying to shine a light on our justice system, where those city leaders and our elected officials who won't step up now in the limelight.'
Nessel chimed in on the decision, calling it 'incredibly disturbing.'
'Miscarriage of justice,' AG says after murder case against former MSP sgt. dismissed
'To have robbed the family of that opportunity even to have their case in court, again, nothing short of a miscarriage of justice,' Nessel told News 8. 'I think it's one that will result in just fundamental distrust between the community and the law enforcement agencies that serve them, and I don't think that benefits anyone.'
Nessel did say that she is both considering and looking into appeals options. Jermar Sterling said they are calling on Nessel to do so quickly.
'During the appeals process, we still got to continue to fight for these policies,' he said. 'It will be a long drawn-out process dealing with this appeal process, but our Sterling family and the Cage family have the endurance to continue to fight during this process.'
Brian Keely's attorney Marc Curtis said in a statement that the ruling sends a 'strong message.' But Sterling says it's the wrong one.
'Abomination of justice': Community leaders react to Keely case dismissal
'It sends a strong message in support of those who serve with honor and integrity,' Jermar Sterling said, citing Curtis' statement. 'Wow, what a great message to send. Honor and integrity of killing unarmed. Not just black men and women, but men and women period across the United States of America.'
As the family waits for what is to come next, Jermar Sterling said the fight is not over for justice, as they lean on the community for strength.
'I know we live in a fearful time of law enforcement right now, but don't let your fear silence you, allow your fear to ignite you,' he said.
Sterling then had one message to share with Samuel, to show their fight will continue.
'It ain't over man, it ain't over,' Jermar Sterling said. 'We fighters, we cut from a different type of bloodline that don't back down, that don't give up and we will make the necessary noise to be heard. No justice, no peace, so we are hoping that justice will not be denied.'
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