LANSING – Today, in the 62-B District Court in Kentwood, Judge Amanda H. Sterkenburg bound over retired Michigan State Police (MSP) Detective Sergeant (D/Sgt) Brian Keely, 50, of Grand Rapids, to stand trial in the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Keely was charged in May with one count of Second-Degree Murder, a potential life-sentence offense, or alternatively, one count of Involuntary Manslaughter, a fifteen-year felony, for the death of Samuel Sterling, 25, of Kentwood.   

“Public integrity is a top priority for my Department and we remain committed to striving for a just resolution in each case we handle” said Nessel. "I am pleased to see this matter move forward and hope it will proceed expeditiously to trial.” 

Shortly before noon on April 17, 2024, 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 Keely was driving turned and fatally 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. MSP referred the matter to the Department of Attorney General for review in May. 

A date has not yet been set for Keely’s next appearance in court.