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State police release a video of a trooper colliding with a suspect, killing him

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The parents of Samuel Sterling, who was struck and killed by a state trooper’s unmarked patrol car, reviewed police footage of his death before it was shared publicly.

Sterling’s parents, Michael Sterling Sr. and Andrica Cage, were shown 15 minutes of police bodycam video of their son’s April 17 murder.

The 25-year-old was running from a police fugitive squad when he was struck by the officer’s unmarked car in the Burger King parking lot on Eastern Avenue SE near 52nd Street. The soldier was not identified.

RELATED: State trooper who beat and killed Samuel Sterling died “heartbroken,” lawyer says

State Police Director Col. James Grady II, along with two senior attorneys in Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office, visited the family to share the video on Friday, May 10, before it was released publicly.

The parents reviewed the video along with attorney Ven Johnson and former Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack. The parents were convinced that the officer – supposedly a detective – intentionally drove into their son and pinned him against the restaurant.

They said none of the officers at the scene helped as he was moaning in pain.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after MSP concluded its investigation:

“Samuel Sterling’s death was unacceptable. My heart goes out to his family and the Grand Rapids community. The state trooper involved is suspended without pay. The MSP investigation has concluded and Attorney General Dana Nessel is currently reviewing to make a final determination on any allegations. I have every confidence that her office will work quickly to make a fair and equitable decision as to whether criminal charges are appropriate. Given the video footage showing a departure from MSP protocols and the department’s high standards, I expect the State of Michigan will take steps to terminate the officer’s employment if criminal charges are filed.”