A Michigan mother erupts in anger as her son’s killer, who reached speeds of 105 mph before the fatal crash, walks away with just probation despite initially facing second-degree murder charges.
Key Takeaways
- 18-year-old Kiernan Tague received only probation after a 105 mph crash that killed University of Dayton freshman Flynn MacKrell in November 2023
- Despite the Michigan Department of Corrections recommending prison time, the judge opted for a “blended sentence” that keeps Tague out of jail
- Text messages revealed Tague’s mother knew about his reckless driving habits, but prosecutors declined to file charges against her
- The victim’s family compared the case to that of the Oxford High School shooter’s parents, questioning why parental accountability wasn’t applied similarly
- MacKrell died on impact when Tague lost control in a 25 mph residential zone, while Tague survived with injuries
Judicial System Fails Grieving Family
The family of Flynn MacKrell is living through a parent’s worst nightmare, compounded by what they see as a complete failure of the justice system. Kiernan Tague, 18, was sentenced to probation at a Level 2 juvenile placement facility for the November 2023 crash that killed MacKrell, a freshman swimmer at the University of Dayton. Despite initially facing second-degree murder charges, Tague ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter with a motor vehicle. The sentence came as a devastating blow to MacKrell’s family, who had hoped for actual accountability.
“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.
A Pattern of Reckless Behavior
Court records revealed a disturbing history of dangerous driving by Tague leading up to the fatal crash. Evidence showed the teen regularly engaged in speeding and drag racing, making the deadly incident not a one-time mistake but the culmination of ongoing reckless behavior. On the day of the crash, Tague, who was 16 at the time, picked up his neighbor and friend MacKrell in a BMW. He then accelerated to 105 mph in a 25 mph residential zone before losing control and crashing. MacKrell died on impact, while Tague survived with serious injuries.
“It’s a travesty of justice. The judge’s mind was made up before we even went into the courtroom,” said Thaddeus MacKrell, the victim’s father.
Parental Knowledge and Lack of Accountability
Perhaps most infuriating for the MacKrell family is evidence showing that Tague’s mother, Elizabeth Puleo-Tague, was aware of her son’s dangerous driving habits. Text messages revealed she knew about his speeding, yet prosecutors declined to file any charges against her. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy determined that the mother had taken “reasonable” steps to control her son’s behavior, a decision that left the victim’s family in disbelief, especially given the precedent set by charging the parents of the Oxford High School shooter.
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,” said Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor.
Hollow Remorse and Ongoing Trauma
During the sentencing hearing, Tague expressed remorse, stating, “My heart is profoundly heavy with grief, regret, and remorse.” However, MacKrell’s family remains unconvinced of his sincerity. Anne Vanker dismissed the teen’s emotional display, saying, “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.” The judge’s sentence includes the possibility of adult sentencing if Tague violates his probation, but this provides little comfort to a family that feels justice has been denied.
“I was robbed of seeing him graduate. I was robbed of being his best man. I was robbed of meeting his children,” said Thaddeus MacKrell Jr., the victim’s brother.
Another Case of Two-Tier Justice
This case represents yet another example of our failing justice system, where accountability seems increasingly optional. The Michigan Department of Corrections had recommended prison time for Tague, yet the judge chose a more lenient path. The decision reinforces concerns about inconsistent standards in our courts, where some offenders face severe consequences while others receive minimal punishment for equally serious crimes. For the MacKrell family, their son’s life appears to have been valued less than the prospects of the teen who killed him.
“The only thing that could have made our lives worse is what happened here today,” said Anne Vanker, summarizing the family’s devastation at the sentencing outcome.
