LANSING – In the 62-B District Court in Kentwood, Judge Amanda H. Sterkenburg has bound over retired Michigan State Police (MSP) Detective Sergeant Brian Keely, 50, of Grand Rapids, to stand trial in the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County. The announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Keely faces charges related to the death of Samuel Sterling, 25, of Kentwood. He 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.
“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.”
The incident occurred shortly before noon on April 17, 2024. Keely, as part of the MSP Sixth District Fugitive Task Force, attempted to bring Sterling into custody when Sterling fled on foot. Multiple MSP troopers and other local law enforcement agents pursued Sterling both in vehicles and on foot. During the chase, Keely's unmarked vehicle 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 later succumbed to his injuries.
The MSP referred the matter to the Department of Attorney General for review following the incident in April.
A date has not yet been set for Keely’s next court appearance.
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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.