Prosecutor Kym Worthy said, “[Puleo-Tague] was not directly or indirectly involved in any way in the offenses for which we have charged her son. Despite his mother’s attempts, it is our firm position that the respondent and the respondent only is directly responsible for the crimes that we have adult designated and charged him with.”

Tragedy at high speed.

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On a fateful day in February 2024, Puleo-Tague’s son, 16-year-old Kiernan Tague, was behind the wheel of his mother’s BMW and picked up his friend, 18-year-old Flynn MacKrell. He was home from college on Thanksgiving break.

Tague’s driving ultimately led to a violent collision when he hit a lamp post at 105 mph that killed MacKrell, a local resident beloved by many in the community.

Tague had a history of reckless driving behavior known to his mother who was able to track him through a Life 360 app. She had even texted him to watch his driving in the past saying things like “Slow the f – – – down” when she saw that he was driving 123 mph. Still, her son was able to have access to fast cars including an Audi and keys to her BMW when she was away from home.

The tragic crash that shook Grosse Pointe.

The case highlights the often-overlooked consequences of parental decisions when it comes to teen drivers. For some, Puleo-Tague’s decision to provide her son with access to a car, despite her knowledge of his reckless driving, feels irresponsible. For others, it raises questions about legal accountability in such situations.

While the family of MacKrell and the community are grappling with a mix of grief and anger, Tague is facing legal repercussions for his actions. However, many also thought that his mother should also bear some of the responsibility for enabling his behavior.

Why the law doesn’t hold parents accountable.

Legally, the case against Puleo-Tague is clear: Michigan law doesn’t extend liability to parents in cases like these. According to prosecutors, there’s no evidence that Puleo-Tague knowingly facilitated her son’s dangerous actions. While her choice to give him access to a car may seem negligent in hindsight, it doesn’t meet the legal threshold for criminal charges.

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MacKrell’s mom, Anne Vanker, said about the decision by Wayne County, “I’m so angry right now I can barely talk” calling the decision frustrating. She previously said to the Detroit Free Press, “To say this is a living hell is an understatement. My life has been ruined. My family’s life is ruined. No one should ever, ever have to lose a child like this…I still can’t believe my son – my big calm son – is gone.”