by GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A federal judge has dismissed the case against former Michigan State Police Sgt. Brian Keely, who struck and killed a man with his unmarked cruiser during an attempted arrest in 2023. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from state leaders and residents across West Michigan, including the Wyoming community where the impact of the case has been deeply felt.
Keely was charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of 25-year-old Samuel Sterling of Grand Rapids. The incident unfolded on April 17, 2023, when officers tried to arrest Sterling on several outstanding warrants. When confronted at a Kentwood gas station, Sterling fled on foot, prompting a chase that led to a nearby Burger King. Keely, pursuing in an unmarked vehicle as part of a U.S. Marshals task force, struck Sterling with his SUV near the restaurant entrance. Sterling was taken to the hospital and died hours later.
In August, U.S. District Court Judge Hala Jarbou ruled that since Keely was acting under federal authority, the case fell under federal jurisdiction and moved it out of state court.
On Wednesday, Judge Jarbou granted a motion to dismiss the charges, citing the Supremacy Clause, which provides federal officers immunity when acting within the scope of their duties. The court found insufficient evidence from the state to prove that Keely acted with criminal intent or used excessive force beyond what was “necessary and proper.”
Court documents reveal that while the Michigan Attorney General’s Office initially argued Keely acted with “malice” and possibly intended to harm Sterling, they later clarified that intent to kill was not the basis for the charges. Still, the judge ruled the state’s argument — that Keely acted recklessly — was unconvincing.
Sterling was wanted on several warrants, including one for domestic violence. The court also noted the chase happened in a populated area, and experts testified that if Sterling had reached the Burger King, the threat to public safety and police could have escalated.
“Even if Keely’s actions were risky, he made a reasonable decision to try to block or deter Sterling from entering the restaurant to prevent more serious risks,” the ruling stated.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed deep disappointment over the dismissal.
“I’m alarmed by the precedent this sets — that someone acting as a federal officer can commit lethal acts against Michigan residents without accountability,” Nessel said. “This outcome is a miscarriage of justice. No one should be above the law.”
Nessel added that the case never reaching a jury is especially troubling and said her office is considering next steps, including a possible appeal.
In civil court, Sterling’s family has filed a lawsuit alleging excessive force. The case has drawn emotional responses from community members in places like Wyoming, Michigan, where conversations about police accountability have intensified.
Keely’s attorneys, meanwhile, called the ruling a “vindication.”
“This decision brings long-overdue relief to an officer who did his job in a high-risk encounter,” said attorneys Marc Curtis and Lance LoRusso. “It sends a strong message in support of those who serve with honor and integrity.”
As the legal process continues, the community in Wyoming and beyond waits to see if any further actions will be taken — in either court or the court of public opinion.
