Family Remembers Samuel Sterling Two Years After Fatal Police Crash

Sterling's family continues to grieve his death and questions the police response that led to the tragedy.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:50am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, the glass reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a tragic police encounter.The shattered remnants of a police encounter that left a young man dead, sparking renewed calls for accountability and change.Wyoming Today

Two years after 25-year-old Samuel Sterling was struck and killed by an unmarked police cruiser following a chase in Wyoming, Michigan, his family is still grieving his loss. The charges against the now-retired Michigan State Police sergeant who hit Sterling were dismissed in 2025, but the state attorney general's office has appealed the ruling. Sterling's family believes the officers could have handled the situation differently and wants to remember him for the good he did in the community.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the community, as well as questions about police accountability and use of force, especially in incidents involving unarmed individuals. The dismissal of charges against the officer involved has left Sterling's family seeking justice and closure.

The details

On April 17, 2024, law enforcement teams were attempting to take Samuel Sterling into custody on outstanding warrants when he was struck by a vehicle driven by now-retired Michigan State Police Sgt. Brian Keely. Sterling's family believes the officers could have handled the situation differently, such as getting out of the car or using a Taser, instead of hitting him with the vehicle. Charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter were brought against Keely, but were later dismissed by a federal judge. The Michigan Attorney General's Office has appealed that ruling, and the case is still pending.

  • On April 17, 2024, Samuel Sterling was struck and killed by an unmarked police cruiser.
  • On May 2025, charges against Sgt. Brian Keely were dismissed by a federal judge.
  • The Michigan Attorney General's Office has appealed the dismissal of charges, and the case is still pending.

The players

Samuel Sterling

A 25-year-old man who was struck and killed by an unmarked police cruiser following a chase in Wyoming, Michigan.

Sgt. Brian Keely

A now-retired Michigan State Police sergeant who was driving the vehicle that struck and killed Samuel Sterling.

Andrica Cage

Samuel Sterling's mother, who continues to grieve his loss.

Mykeia Sterling

Samuel Sterling's sister, who feels the void of his absence.

Marc Curtis

The attorney representing Sgt. Brian Keely.

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What they’re saying

“Renewed public messaging does not change those facts. This event in nothing more than an attempt to promote a false narrative that is inconsistent with the federal court ruling. The standard for law enforcement actions is reasonableness under rapidly evolving circumstances, not hindsight. That standard was met here. If Mr. Samuel Sterling would have simply complied with the task force officer's many commands and had not chosen to flee causing a significant risk to law enforcement and the surrounding innocent civilians; he would still be here with his family today. United States Marshals Service Task Force Officer Keely performed his duties that day with honor and integrity. Our team looks forward to challenging the Attorney General's Office's appeal to the 6th Circuit when the court deems proper.”

— Marc Curtis, Sgt. Brian Keely's attorney

What’s next

The Michigan Attorney General's Office has appealed the dismissal of charges against Sgt. Brian Keely, and the case is still pending in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the community, as well as the need for greater accountability and transparency when it comes to police use of force, especially in incidents involving unarmed individuals. The Sterling family's continued pursuit of justice underscores the importance of addressing these complex issues and finding ways to rebuild trust between the police and the communities they serve.