A grieving Michigan family watches in horror as their son’s killer walks away with just probation after driving 105 mph and causing a fatal crash, exposing a justice system that some say favors leniency over accountability even in cases of deadly recklessness.
Key Takeaways
- 18-year-old Kiernan Tague received only probation after killing Flynn MacKrell in a 105 mph crash, despite initially facing second-degree murder charges
- The victim, a college freshman and swimmer at University of Dayton, died on impact when Tague lost control in a 25 mph residential zone
- The Michigan Department of Corrections had recommended prison time, but the judge opted for a “blended sentence” with juvenile probation
- MacKrell’s family compared Tague’s mother to parents of a school shooter for allegedly knowing about his dangerous driving habits, yet prosecutors declined to charge her
- The case highlights growing concerns about accountability in the justice system, particularly when dealing with juvenile offenders in fatal incidents
Family’s Outrage at Probation Sentence
A Michigan family is speaking out after what they describe as a gross miscarriage of justice when 18-year-old Kiernan Tague received only probation for killing their son Flynn MacKrell in a high-speed crash. Tague, who was 16 at the time of the November 2023 incident, lost control of a BMW while driving at 105 mph in a 25-mph residential zone. The impact killed MacKrell, a freshman swimmer at the University of Dayton who was home on break, instantly. Initially charged with second-degree murder, Tague later pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of manslaughter with a motor vehicle.
“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,” said Anne Vanker, MacKrell’s mother, following the sentencing.
The judge sentenced Tague to probation at a Level 2 juvenile placement facility, with the possibility of adult sentencing only if he violates the terms of his probation. This “blended sentence” approach came despite the Michigan Department of Corrections explicitly recommending prison time for the teen driver. The decision has left the victim’s family stunned and questioning the fundamental fairness of our criminal justice system, which they believe failed to deliver appropriate consequences for such reckless behavior resulting in death.
History of Reckless Driving and Parental Knowledge
Evidence presented during court proceedings revealed that Tague had an established pattern of dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding and drag racing, prior to the fatal crash. Text messages showed that his mother, Elizabeth Puleo-Tague, was aware of his driving habits, yet she continued to allow him access to vehicles. The MacKrell family has directed significant criticism toward Tague’s mother, suggesting her failure to intervene more forcefully contributed to the circumstances that led to their son’s death.
“It’s a travesty of justice. The judge’s mind was made up before we even went in the courtroom,” said Thaddeus MacKrell, the victim’s father.
The victim’s family went so far as to compare Puleo-Tague’s actions to those of parents of a school shooter, arguing she should face charges for allowing her son to drive despite knowing he posed a danger. However, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy declined to bring charges against the mother, stating that she had taken “consistent, active steps” to control her son’s behavior. This decision has further inflamed the family’s sense that the justice system failed to hold accountable all parties who contributed to the conditions that led to their son’s death.
Questions of Genuine Remorse and Justice
During the sentencing hearing, Tague expressed what appeared to be remorse, telling the court, “My heart is profoundly heavy with grief, regret, and remorse.” However, the MacKrell family remains unconvinced of his sincerity. Anne Vanker was particularly direct in her assessment of Tague’s courtroom demeanor, dismissing what she viewed as a performance rather than genuine contrition for his actions that took her son’s life so needlessly and violently.
“It’s a cunning, manipulative criminal individual who just once again was not held accountable for killing my son, so no, his fake tears are disgusting,” said Anne Vanker, the victim’s mother.
The case highlights growing concerns about how our justice system addresses juvenile offenders, particularly in cases involving fatal outcomes resulting from clearly reckless behavior. The MacKrell family must now attempt to rebuild their lives without their son and with what they perceive as a complete absence of justice. As Thaddeus MacKrell Jr., the victim’s brother, poignantly stated, “I was robbed of seeing him graduate. I was robbed of being his best man. I was robbed of meeting his children.” This deep sense of loss is only compounded by their belief that the person responsible will not face consequences proportionate to the devastation he caused.
