A grieving Michigan family watches in horror as their son’s killer walks free with just probation after driving 105 mph and causing a fatal crash that took the life of college freshman Flynn MacKrell.
Key Takeaways
- Kiernan Tague, 18, received only probation despite initially facing second-degree murder charges for killing Flynn MacKrell in a 105 mph crash in a 25 mph zone.
- The Michigan Department of Corrections recommended prison time, but the judge opted for a “blended sentence” with juvenile placement and probation.
- Text messages revealed Tague’s mother knew about his reckless driving history, yet prosecutors declined to charge her, claiming she took sufficient parental control measures.
- MacKrell, a promising freshman swimmer at the University of Dayton, died instantly when Tague lost control of a BMW while speeding in their neighborhood.
- The victim’s parents compared the case to the Oxford school shooter’s parents who were held accountable, questioning why similar standards weren’t applied here.
Justice Denied: Family Outraged at Lenient Sentence
The parents of Flynn MacKrell are living through a nightmare twice over – first losing their son in a preventable high-speed crash, and now watching as the driver responsible received what they view as a slap on the wrist. Kiernan Tague, 18, was sentenced to probation at a Level 2 juvenile placement facility for the November 2023 crash that killed MacKrell, a University of Dayton freshman swimmer who was home visiting family. The judge’s decision came despite the Michigan Department of Corrections recommending prison time for Tague, who was driving at a shocking 105 mph in a 25 mph residential zone when he lost control.
Tague initially faced second-degree murder charges but ultimately pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter. The judge opted for a “blended sentence,” giving Tague juvenile placement with the possibility of adult sentencing if he violates probation terms – a decision that left MacKrell’s family devastated. During the sentencing, Tague expressed remorse, stating: “My heart is profoundly heavy with grief, regret, and remorse,” Kiernan Tague, defendant. However, the victim’s mother dismissed his statement as performative.
A Pattern of Reckless Behavior Ignored
Evidence presented during court proceedings revealed that Tague had a documented history of reckless driving, including speeding and drag racing. Even more troubling were text messages showing his mother, Elizabeth Puleo-Tague, was aware of his dangerous driving habits yet continued to allow him access to vehicles. Despite this evidence, prosecutors chose not to charge Tague’s mother, determining that she had taken “reasonable parental control measures” – a decision that further outraged the MacKrell family.
“It’s a travesty of justice. The judge’s mind was made up before we even went into the courtroom,” Thaddeus MacKrell, the victim’s father
The prosecutor’s stance on the mother’s accountability struck a particularly painful chord with the MacKrell family, who drew parallels to the parents of the Oxford school shooter, who were held criminally responsible for their son’s actions. Prosecutor Kym Worthy defended the decision not to charge Puleo-Tague, stating: “Parenting is hard in the best of circumstances. Most parents do everything they can to mentor their children and steer them in the right direction. The juvenile respondent’s mother was no different. She took consistent, active steps to try to make sure that he stayed on the right path,” Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor
The Devastating Impact of Loss Without Justice
The MacKrell family’s grief has been compounded by what they perceive as a complete failure of the justice system. Anne Vanker, Flynn’s mother, expressed her anguish at the sentencing hearing: “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, the victim’s mother
“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., the victim’s brother
The fatal crash occurred when Tague, who was a neighbor and friend of MacKrell, picked him up in a BMW. Moments later, Tague lost control while traveling at more than four times the speed limit. MacKrell died on impact, while Tague survived with serious injuries. The MacKrell family’s frustration stems not only from the lenient sentence but also from what they view as a systematic failure to hold both Tague and his mother accountable for their roles in Flynn’s preventable death. After waiting 18 months for justice, the family now faces the harsh reality that the person responsible for their son’s death will face minimal consequences for his actions.
