The judge said in her written opinion on Monday, “Keely was acting solely in his capacity as a federal task force officer, performing a task given to him by a federal superior, within the scope of his federal office.”

Judge rules Keely’s actions fall under federal oversight.

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Judge Jarbou determined that because Keely was acting as a federal officer at the time of Samuel Sterling’s death, it makes the case fall under federal jurisdiction. Jarbou noted that Keely was a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal working on a task for the U.S. Marshals Service when the incident occurred, and therefore, his actions are subject to federal oversight. Keely’s defense team expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing that he was performing his duties to apprehend a violent felon.

This decision changes the venue following last week’s ruling by a Kent County District Court judge, who had found enough probable cause to send the case to Kent County Circuit Court for trial. The local judge noted evidence suggesting that Keely “knowingly created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm” during a pursuit in which he chased “an individual on foot with a 4,000-pound automobile.”

Keely faces serious charges, including one count of Second-Degree Murder, which carries a potential life sentence, or alternatively, one count of Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony punishable by up to fifteen years in prison.

Fatal incident leads to charges.

The charges stem from the death of 25-year-old Samuel Sterling of Kentwood from an incident that happened on April 17, 2024 when Keely was part of the MSP Sixth District Fugitive Task Force. While attempting to apprehend Sterling, who fled on foot, a chase ensued involving multiple law enforcement officers. During the pursuit, Keely’s unmarked vehicle fatally struck Sterling in a fast-food restaurant parking lot. Sterling was rushed to the University of Michigan Metro Health Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Following the incident, the MSP referred the case to the Attorney General’s office for review.

Attorney General Nessel: committed to justice.

When Keely’s case was bound over last week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel had announced the court’s decision, emphasizing her department’s dedication to public integrity, saying, “Public integrity is a top priority for my Department, and we remain committed to striving for a just resolution in each case we handle.” She expressed satisfaction that the case is progressing, adding, “I am pleased to see this matter move forward and hope it will proceed expeditiously to trial.”