US authorities file charges against Michigan police officers for fatal arrest of fugitive – JURIST

Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Brian Keeley was charged Tuesday by the Michigan Attorney General with first-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Samuel Sterling.

Keeley was charged with first-degree murder, which is a life sentence. Alternatively, Keeley was charged with manslaughter, which is a felony punishable by 15 years in prison. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel stated that Keeley’s actions were “legally grossly negligent” and “created a very high risk of death or serious bodily harm that could have otherwise been prevented.” Nessel added that “public integrity is our top priority and my department remains committed to ensuring a thorough and equitable review and resolution of every issue brought before us.” Nessel said there would be no further comment or information on the case.

The Michigan State Police Sixth District Fugitive Task Force, of which Keeley was a member, attempted to arrest Sterling both by car and on foot on April 17. Sterling fled from officers on foot and stopped in a parking lot, where Keeley struck Sterling with his car, fatally injuring him. The task force conducted a fugitive arrest operation because Sterling was wanted on several warrants.

Fifth District Investigative Response Team (IRT), a team of specially trained detectives from a district other than Keeley’shad already investigated the “critical incident” and suspended Keeley pending the outcome of the investigation. After that, they referred the case to the Michigan Attorney General for further review.

A date for Keeley’s arraignment has not yet been set.