MSP Sergeant Facing Murder Charges in Death of Kentwood Man

The Michigan State Police sergeant who kit and killed 25-year-old Samuel Sterling in Kentwood on April 17, will face murder charges.

Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Tuesday (May 28) that the MSP sergeant, Brian Keely, would be charged with second-degree murder as well as involuntary manslaughter.

If convicted of the murder charge, Keely would face life in prison. The manslaughter charge is a fifteen-year felony.

In a video released on YouTube, Nessel explained her reasoning for the charges, saying that she found Keely's actions that day were,

legally, grossly negligent and created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm, which could have otherwise been prevented.

Samuel Sterling was killed in the parking lot of a Burger King in Kentwood when the unmarked cruiser driven by Keely ran into him, pinning him between the cruiser and the building. Medical assistance was requested and Sterling later died at the hospital from his injuries. According to FOX-17, the Kent County medical examiner ruled his death an accident.

Sergeant Keely's arraignment date has not yet been set.

This is a developing story.