KENTWOOD, Mich. — Retired Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Brian Keely was arraigned Wednesday morning at the 62nd District Court in Kentwood for charges pertaining to the death of Samuel Sterling.
Keely pleaded not guilty to charges for second degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel handed down the charges last week.
In April, Samuel Sterling was approached by officers in Kentwood for outstanding felony warrants. Sterling ran from police, leading to a chase. That ended when an unmarked MSP cruiser being driven by Keely hit Sterling, who died in a hospital the same day.
MSP said Keely was placed on an unpaid suspension, and confirmed that Keely retired a day before his arraignment.
Keely was a member of MSP for 26 years.
During the arraignment, Keely's attorney Marc Curtis made arguments for a personal recognizance bond, stating that he is not a flight risk, and does not present a danger to the public. The judge granted Keely a $250,000 personal recognizance bond, meaning he can be released from custody without first posting bond or making a deposit.
"I can't believe that they have a murderer running around here with a PR bond," said Andrica Cage, Samuel Sterling's mother, following the arraignment. "That means that everyone that murdered somebody should be able to walk out just like he did, and I don't think that's fair."
"They value the fact that a person wears a blue uniform more than they value the fact that a whole life has been taken," said former Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack, who sat with Sterling's family. "A lot of pain was delivered to our community today, and to our city, and definitely to the family."
Womack and Sterling's family also said they are planning to hold a march at the state capitol on Friday June 7 at noon.
"Just because he's been charged doesn't mean that we're even a quarter a way up the road. He was given a slap on the wrist today," said Womack.
Sitting behind Keely were more than 30 family, friends and supporters wearing blue shirts with his name. Those who came to support Keely also filled the neighboring courtroom watching the arraignment over Zoom.
Supporters who spoke with 13 ON YOUR SIDE said they are thankful for the judge's decision to grant Keely bond and voiced disagreement with the AG's decision to charge Keely.
"I was pleased with the PR bond," said Barry Bussel, owner of a local tow truck company who has been displaying his support for Keely at his business. "He's gonna stand here, he's a person of good quality, and as most people will say, they've never heard a bad thing about this guy."
Bussel says he believes the incident was an accident, and chose to attend the arraignment and encourage others to do so in order to show support for law enforcement.
"Law enforcement needs to be supported," said Bussel. "When I call 911, I want a firetruck to show up, I want a police car to show, I want to make sure I'm protected, and I think the majority of the public feels the same way."
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