Latest news with #fleeingman
New York Times
7 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.
Washington Post
7 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.
