Kiernan Tague, an 18-year-old from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, has been sentenced to probation instead of prison for a high-speed car crash that tragically resulted in the death of his friend, Flynn MacKrell, in November 2023. The incident occurred at speeds exceeding 100 mph in a 25 mph residential zone, leading to a fatal collision with a telephone pole. Tague, now 18, pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a motor vehicle designation after initial charges of second-degree murder. The court’s decision to impose a blended sentence for his age at the time of the crash has sparked significant controversy and criticism from the victim’s family and legal experts.
The victim’s mother, Anne Vanker, expressed deep disappointment with the sentencing decision, arguing that the court did not hold Tague fully accountable for his actions. She emphasized that the evidence clearly demonstrated Tague’s reckless driving and the severe consequences of his behavior. Vanker highlighted that despite two pre-sentencing reports calling for adult sentencing, the court opted for leniency. Her emotional plea in court included a victim impact statement, describing her son as ‘a cherished child of God’ and ‘a true gift.’ She detailed Tague’s ‘escalating violent behavior’ and lack of remorse, noting his history of police interactions and previous instances of reckless driving.
The case has drawn public attention due to the severity of the incident and the leniency of the sentencing. Critics argue that the court failed to consider the full extent of Tague’s behavior and the preventable nature of the crash. Tague’s driving history, including multiple instances of speeding well above the legal limit, has been a significant point of contention. The use of the Life360 app to track his movements further highlighted his reckless choices, with data showing he had 94 trips in his car during the weeks leading up to the crash, many at speeds exceeding 90 mph. His statement at the sentencing, while expressing regret, has not quelled the outrage from Flynn’s family, who continue to advocate for stronger laws and accountability.