GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Kent County Prosecutor's Office is now pouring over the investigation into the death of Riley Doggett to consider criminal charges.
Riley William Doggett, 17, died Thursday May 9, 2024, after suffering injuries in a police chase he was involved in on Monday, April 8.
On Wednesday, Prosecutor Chris Becker confirmed to FOX 17 that his office had been given the case. They will no analyze the contents of the investigation to consider issuing criminal charges against the deputies involved.
Doggett's death certificate was filed with the county on Monday, May 20.
While his death certificate lists Doggett's cause of death as "Craniocerebral trauma", the manner of death is noted as "Accident".
Doggett passed while still in the ICU.
In terms of Doggett's manner of death being listed as accidental, the attorney representing his family says it shouldn't impact any potential criminal or civil trials in the future.
"It could still lead to a criminal conviction, even with that person saying accident," Doggett family attorney Ven Johnson told FOX 17 Wednesday.
"What we would say is it's not binding on the jury whatsoever... when we call the forensic pathologist in a criminal or civil case, all of that is explained to them, that it's not controlling on them, and they don't make that call, the jury does."
What Lead Up to Riley Doggett's Death?
On April 8, deputies with the Kent County Sheriff's Office initiated a vehicle pursuit with a vehicle that Doggett and another individual were inside.
Investigators say the vehicle was stolen.
At some point, their vehicle went off the road near Division Avenue and 32nd Street in Wyoming, hitting a number of parked cars.
Two people jumped out of the stolen vehicle and ran. One of them was Doggett, who was then struck by a cruiser.
The 17-year-old was taken to the hospital. His family telling FOX 17 the teenager suffered injuries to his head.
He would end up dying from his injuries at 10:42 p.m. Thursday, May 9.
"Every single police officer, including the one that ran over and killed my client, when they get on that witness stand, when I call them as a witness, they will admit to you that simply because he's running away, it does not give them the right to use deadly force," Johnson said.
"Using a car against a pedestrian is deadly force under the law. Can't do it."
Riley will be laid to rest this Friday in Grand Rapids.
An obituary prepared by his family reads, "Riley was a loving and very loyal son, brother, and friend. Riley's love was unconditional and what he would do for the ones he loved had no limits. Riley loved to dance, play sports and play the game with his little sister and friends. Riley loved being with his friends and his family, especially his older brother and his nephews."
"Riley was someone you could call anytime you needed help, whether it was to mow the lawn, sit in silence with you or crack jokes all day to ease your mind and make you laugh."
Doggett's memorial service will take place at Stroo Funeral Home beginning at 5:00pm.
READ MORE: Dozens march demanding answers in 17-year-old's death
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