Latest news with #BrianKeely
New York Times
5 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Federal Judge Dismisses Case Against Michigan Trooper Charged in Man's Death
A federal judge dismissed murder and manslaughter charges on Wednesday against a Michigan state trooper who struck and killed a fleeing man with an S.U.V. last year in suburban Grand Rapids. The judge ruled that the trooper, Brian Keely, who was working as part of a federal Marshals Service task force, acted reasonably when his vehicle struck the fleeing man, Samuel Sterling. The judge said Mr. Keely was acting as a federal law enforcement officer and was entitled to immunity under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which shields federal agents from state prosecution in many instances. Michigan's attorney general, Dana Nessel, whose office had filed the charges in state court and fought the transfer of the case to federal court, said that Wednesday's outcome was 'nothing short of a miscarriage of justice.' Her office said it was considering appeal options. 'I am disappointed that the case's transfer to federal court ultimately resulted in its dismissal and am deeply concerned with the precedent it sets — that individuals deemed federal officers by federal authorities can commit lethal crimes against Michigan residents with impunity,' Ms. Nessel, a Democrat, said in a statement. Mr. Keely retired from the Michigan State Police after the charges were filed. His lawyers, who had pushed to have the case moved to federal court, lauded the judge's ruling. They said the decision 'not only vindicates our client but also sends a strong message in support of those who serve with honor and integrity.' 'We are grateful that the court recognized this case for what it truly was — a law enforcement officer doing his job in a high-risk encounter with a known fugitive,' the lawyers, Marc E. Curtis and Lance LoRusso, said in a statement posted on social media. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Independent
5 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Judge throws out murder charge against Michigan officer who struck a fleeing man
A judge dismissed a murder charge against a Michigan police officer who struck a fleeing man with his unmarked SUV, saying his role with a federal task force gives him immunity from state prosecution. There was no evidence that state police Det. Sgt. Brian Keely 'did no more than what was necessary and proper' to catch a man wanted for various crimes, U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou said Wednesday. Samuel Sterling, 25, died after he was pinned against a wall at a Burger King in Kentwood in April 2024. At that time, Keely was part of a U.S. Marshal Service group that tries to catch fugitives in western Michigan. 'Sterling was actively attempting to evade arrest, leading multiple officers on an extended chase in a populated area,' the judge said. 'Because Keely and the other officers reasonably believed Sterling was armed, they had good reason to believe that Sterling posed a significant threat to the safety of officers and the public.' Sterling was on foot. Keely made a reasonable decision to try to block him from entering the Burger King, even if the officer's actions were risky, Jarbou said. The judge said it is "well settled" that a state can't prosecute a federal officer if the officer acted properly. Keely was charged with second-degree murder. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the decision was 'nothing short of a miscarriage of justice.' Keely's attorneys said Sterling, who had past convictions, made things worse by running. There were six warrants out for his arrest, including an allegation of assault against his father and probation violations, the judge said. 'This ruling not only vindicates our client but also sends a strong message in support of those who serve with honor and integrity,' Keely's lawyers said in written statement.
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Judge throws out murder charge against Michigan officer who struck a fleeing man with unmarked SUV
A judge dismissed a murder charge against a Michigan police officer who struck a fleeing man with his unmarked SUV, saying his role with a federal task force gives him immunity from state prosecution. There was no evidence that state police Det. Sgt. Brian Keely "did no more than what was necessary and proper" to catch a man wanted for various crimes, U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou said Wednesday. Samuel Sterling, 25, died after he was pinned against a wall at a Burger King in Kentwood in April 2024. At that time, Keely was part of a U.S. Marshal Service group that tries to catch fugitives in western Michigan. "Sterling was actively attempting to evade arrest, leading multiple officers on an extended chase in a populated area," the judge said. "Because Keely and the other officers reasonably believed Sterling was armed, they had good reason to believe that Sterling posed a significant threat to the safety of officers and the public." Sterling was on foot. Keely made a reasonable decision to try to block him from entering the Burger King, even if the officer's actions were risky, Jarbou said. The judge said it is "well settled" that a state can't prosecute a federal officer if the officer acted properly. Keely was charged with second-degree murder. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the decision was "nothing short of a miscarriage of justice." Keely's attorneys said Sterling, who had past convictions, made things worse by running. There were six warrants out for his arrest, including an allegation of assault against his father and probation violations, the judge said. "This ruling not only vindicates our client but also sends a strong message in support of those who serve with honor and integrity," Keely's lawyers said in a written statement.
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Judge throws out murder charge against Michigan officer who struck a fleeing man
A judge dismissed a murder charge against a Michigan police officer who struck a fleeing man with his unmarked SUV, saying his role with a federal task force gives him immunity from state prosecution. There was no evidence that state police Det. Sgt. Brian Keely 'did no more than what was necessary and proper' to catch a man wanted for various crimes, U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou said Wednesday.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Judge throws out murder charge against Michigan officer who struck a fleeing man
A judge dismissed a murder charge against a Michigan police officer who struck a fleeing man with his unmarked SUV, saying his role with a federal task force gives him immunity from state prosecution. There was no evidence that state police Det. Sgt. Brian Keely 'did no more than what was necessary and proper' to catch a man wanted for various crimes, U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou said Wednesday. Samuel Sterling, 25, died after he was pinned against a wall at a Burger King in Kentwood in April 2024. At that time, Keely was part of a U.S. Marshal Service group that tries to catch fugitives in western Michigan. 'Sterling was actively attempting to evade arrest, leading multiple officers on an extended chase in a populated area,' the judge said. 'Because Keely and the other officers reasonably believed Sterling was armed, they had good reason to believe that Sterling posed a significant threat to the safety of officers and the public.' Sterling was on foot. Keely made a reasonable decision to try to block him from entering the Burger King, even if the officer's actions were risky, Jarbou said. The judge said it is 'well settled' that a state can't prosecute a federal officer if the officer acted properly. Keely was charged with second-degree murder. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the decision was 'nothing short of a miscarriage of justice.' Keely's attorneys said Sterling, who had past convictions, made things worse by running. There were six warrants out for his arrest, including an allegation of assault against his father and probation violations, the judge said. 'This ruling not only vindicates our client but also sends a strong message in support of those who serve with honor and integrity,' Keely's lawyers said in written statement.
