A Michigan family’s outrage erupts as teen who killed their college freshman son while driving 105 mph walks free with only probation, despite the Michigan Department of Corrections recommending prison time.
Key Takeaways
- Kiernan Tague, 18, received only probation instead of jail time after driving 105 mph in a 25-mph zone, causing a crash that killed his friend Flynn MacKrell.
- Tague’s charges were reduced from second-degree murder to manslaughter with a motor vehicle despite evidence of a history of reckless driving.
- Text messages revealed Tague’s mother was aware of his dangerous driving habits but prosecutors declined to charge her, claiming she took sufficient parental control measures.
- The Michigan Department of Corrections recommended prison time for Tague, but the judge opted for a “blended sentence” with juvenile probation instead.
- MacKrell’s family has condemned the ruling as a “travesty of justice,” comparing the mother’s enabling to cases where parents of school shooters have been held accountable.
Deadly Joyride Ends Without Justice
In November 2023, 16-year-old Kiernan Tague picked up his neighbor and friend, Flynn MacKrell, in a BMW before losing control while traveling at a staggering 105 mph in a residential 25-mph zone in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. MacKrell, a freshman swimmer at the University of Dayton who was home visiting family, died on impact, while Tague survived with serious injuries. The case has sparked renewed debate about judicial leniency toward juvenile offenders and the lack of accountability for deadly, reckless driving.
The case initially appeared to recognize the severity of Tague’s actions, with prosecutors bringing second-degree murder charges. However, the charges were later reduced to manslaughter with a motor vehicle after Tague pleaded guilty. Despite evidence of previous reckless driving behaviors and the Michigan Department of Corrections recommending prison time, Wayne County Circuit Judge Christopher Dingell opted for a “blended sentence” that allows Tague to serve his time in a juvenile facility with probation rather than prison.
Parents’ Anguish and Accusations
For the MacKrell family, the sentencing decision has only compounded their devastating loss. Flynn’s mother, Anne Vanker, expressed raw emotion after the hearing that delivered what she views as a complete failure of the justice system. The family has been particularly vocal about their belief that Tague’s mother should also be held accountable for knowingly allowing her son to continue driving despite awareness of his dangerous behavior.
“Do you know how much pain and energy and suffering it is to have no justice and still have no justice? I’ve spent the last year and a half, and I waited for that,” Anne Vanker, Flynn MacKrell’s mother
The MacKrell family has compared Tague’s mother’s actions to those of the parents of school shooters who have recently been held criminally responsible for their children’s deadly actions. Text messages presented during court proceedings showed that Elizabeth Puleo-Tague was aware of her son’s speeding habits, yet prosecutors declined to charge her. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy defended this decision, stating that Tague’s mother had taken sufficient steps to control her son’s behavior.
Slap on the Wrist Despite History of Reckless Behavior
Evidence presented in court showed that Tague had a history of speeding and drag racing, behaviors that ultimately led to the fatal crash. Flynn’s father, Thaddeus MacKrell, expressed his disbelief at the court’s decision and questioned whether true justice would ever be served in his son’s death. The family has been vocal about what they see as preferential treatment for a defendant from an affluent area of Michigan.
“It’s a travesty of justice. The judge’s mind was made up before we even went into the courtroom,” Thaddeus MacKrell, Flynn MacKrell’s father
During the sentencing hearing, Tague expressed remorse, stating, “My heart is profoundly heavy with grief, regret, and remorse.” However, the MacKrell family remains unconvinced of his sincerity. Anne Vanker explicitly rejected Tague’s tearful apology, calling him “a cunning, manipulative criminal individual who just once again was not held accountable for killing my son.” The court’s decision has reinforced their belief that the justice system fails to adequately punish dangerous drivers who take innocent lives.
Life Forever Changed
The impact of Flynn MacKrell’s death extends far beyond the courtroom. His brother, Thaddeus MacKrell Jr., spoke of the milestones forever lost due to this senseless tragedy. The MacKrell family must now navigate a future without their son and brother while watching his killer walk free with minimal consequences. The case highlights growing concerns about whether our justice system is adequately protecting communities from dangerous drivers and holding all responsible parties accountable.
“I was robbed of seeing him graduate. I was robbed of being his best man. I was robbed of meeting his children,” Thaddeus MacKrell Jr., Flynn MacKrell’s brother
While Tague’s sentencing includes the possibility of adult prison time if he violates probation, this offers little comfort to the MacKrell family, who believe justice has already been denied. As similar cases continue to emerge across the country, many are questioning whether our legal system is sending the right message about the consequences of reckless driving that leads to death. For the MacKrells and many others, the answer is a resounding no.
