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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*

May 28, 2024




*Media Contact:
*Danny Wimmer <[email protected]>






Charges Filed Against Trooper in Samuel Sterling Death





*LANSING – *Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed charges against Michigan State Police (MSP) Detective Sergeant (D/Sgt) Brian Keely, 50, Grand Rapids, for the death of Samuel Sterling, 25, Kentwood.  MSP referred the matter to the Department of Attorney General [ [link removed] ] for review on May 10, 2024. 

Keely was charged with: 


* One count – Murder, Second Degree, a life offense, or alternatively, 
* One count – Involuntary Manslaughter, a fifteen-year felony. 

In a video announcing the charges [ [link removed] ], AG Nessel said that following a comprehensive review of the evidence, the Department believes that “Detective Sergeant Keely’s actions that day were legally, grossly negligent and created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm, which could have otherwise been prevented.” 

Shortly before noon on April 17, 2024, Michigan State Police D/Sgt Keely, as part of the MSP Sixth District Fugitive Task Force attempted to bring Samuel Sterling into custody when Sterling fled by foot.  A number of MSP troopers and other local law enforcement agents proceeded to chase Sterling, both in their vehicles and by foot, when the unmarked vehicle D/Sgt Keely was driving turned and struck Sterling in a nearby fast-food restaurant parking lot.  Sterling was transported to the University of Michigan Metro Health Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that day. 

“Public integrity is a top priority for my Department and we remain committed to providing a thorough and just review and resolution in each case brought before us,” said Nessel. 

D/Sgt Keely will be arraigned in the 62-B District Court in Kentwood, the arraignment has not yet been scheduled. 

"###"

"*Please note:* For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos."






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