KENTWOOD, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Amidst the aftermath of a tragic incident in Kentwood, Michigan less than two months ago, Brian Keely, 50, a former Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant, finds himself at the center of a legal storm, choosing the path of retirement in the midst of legal charges against him.

Keely’s retirement follows an arduous journey marked by accusations of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in connection to the death of Samuel Sterling, whose life ended tragically during a pursuit involving law enforcement officers.

What happened?

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The story began to unfold on April 17th, when a team of officers, including Keely, embarked on a mission to apprehend 25-year-old Sterling, a convicted felon and an individual with outstanding warrants, at a gas station near the intersection of 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue in Kentwood.

Sterling, upon realizing the presence of law enforcement, made a desperate attempt to flee. What ensued was a foot chase through the streets with many officers, including Keely, who was navigating his unmarked vehicle in pursuit of Sterling as the suspect fled towards an occupied Burger King restaurant.

Sterling’s flight came to an abrupt halt when he was struck by Keely’s unmarked cruiser. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to the hospital.

Family of victim, governor, and top cop at MSP perpetuate presumption of guilt before innocence.

The fallout from this incident was swift and severe, reverberating throughout the community and sparking widespread outrage. Adding to the anger was quick condemnation of the police officer by Michigan’s Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the actions of Michigan State Police Director Col. James Grady who suspended Keely without pay shortly after the incident.

Video footage capturing the incident circulated rapidly, drawing intense scrutiny and raising probing questions about law enforcement practices, accountability, and the use of force. Accusations of racism also surfaced because Sgt. Keely is a white officer and the suspect being pursued was a Black man.

Family and their attorneys push for accountability and justice for Sterling’s death.

Samuel Sterling’s family, devastated by their loss, sought answers and justice, mobilizing support and rallying behind the call for accountability with the help of Detroit Attorney Ven Johnson and civil rights attorney Ben Crump who had represented the family of George Floyd.

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In the wake of mounting public pressure and scrutiny, the legal machinery began to turn rapidly with an investigation by the Michigan State Police. After that was concluded, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reviewed the evidence and made the decision to bring charges against Keely.

The charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter have cast a dark shadow over Keely’s decades-long career in law enforcement, eclipsing the accomplished employment of an officer who once received an award for rescuing a hostage according.

Keely decides to retire.

With over two decades of dedicated service to the Michigan State Police, Keely’s decision to retire marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on the aforementioned accomplished career that was defined by service and dedication to upholding the law.

Kelly is the recipient of widespread support among many.

Online, there is much support for the detective sergeant in the Facebook Group “We Stand with Brian Keely MSP.” It also includes a fundraiser that has raised about $11,000 so far for Keely and his family.

Keely, who appeared in court on Wednesday, was arraigned in front of Kentwood District Judge Amanda Sterkenburg. In the courtroom, along with Keely’s parents, were many more supporters wearing blue shirts that said, “Michigan State Police. Stand With Keely 616.”

The judge told those in the courtroom, “I’m asking if any of you are experiencing strong feelings or emotions that overwhelm you that you please excuse yourself from the courtroom.”

The case of the People of the State of Michigan vs. Brian William Keely commenced with a somber Keely sitting beside his attorney, Marc Curtis.

What happened at the arraignment.

Curtis entered the plea of “not guilty” on both charges on his client’s behalf. When discussing bond, Curtis argued that his client had turned himself in, has been cooperating with the investigation and has been in contact with him on an almost daily basis. He argued that Keely was not a flight risk or a danger to the public and has had an “exemplary career” as an officer.

Before deciding on the bond, the judge asked Curtis if there were any prior instances of this nature in his history. Curtis answered, “No…I reviewed his personnel file, your honor, I’ve talked to the people who know him…There is no grievances in regards to excessive use of force at any other point in time…any motor vehicle accident at this point.” He added that Keely had even received an award for having “twelve years of accident-free at-fault accidents in operation of police vehicles.”

The judge agreed that a $250,000 personal recognizance bond was appropriate, meaning that Keely would not have to make a payment to secure his release.

The judge scheduled a probable cause conference on June 17th at 1 pm and the preliminary examination on June 24th at 2:00 p.m.