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info@flynnmichaelfoundation.orgImportant information about the content on this website and ongoing legal proceedings
Critical Legal Notice
Elizabeth Puleo Tague has been charged but NOT convicted. Under the United States Constitution and the laws of the State of Michigan, Ms. Tague is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
All references to Ms. Tague on this website describe allegations made in the citizen-initiated criminal complaint. These allegations have not been proven in court. Ms. Tague has the absolute right to defend herself against these charges and to present her own evidence and testimony.
The outcome of her case remains pending, and no determination of guilt should be inferred from the content of this website.
On November 17, 2023, Flynn MacKrell, age 18, was killed in a motor vehicle crash in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. The driver of the vehicle, Kiernan Tague, was a minor at the time of the incident.
Although the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office initially declined to bring charges against Elizabeth Puleo Tague, Flynn's parents utilized a Michigan statute that allows private citizens, through an attorney, to present evidence directly to a judge. Following this citizen-initiated process, a judge determined there was probable cause to charge Elizabeth Puleo Tague with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Flynn MacKrell's death.
The case is currently in the procedural stage, with pending motions that focus primarily on whether the law allowing citizen-initiated charges also permits the appointment of a special prosecutor so the case can move forward. The legal proceedings remain ongoing.
The Flynn Michael Foundation was established by Flynn's family to advocate for legislative reform and raise awareness about teen driving safety. The foundation's mission is focused on preventing future tragedies through education, advocacy, and policy change.
Need help understanding legal terms? Visit our Legal Glossary for definitions.
Under Michigan law (MCL 767.3), private citizens have the right to initiate criminal charges when a prosecutor declines to do so. This process allows a citizen, through an attorney, to present evidence directly to a judge or magistrate, who then independently determines whether probable cause exists to issue a criminal charge.
After the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office declined to bring charges against Elizabeth Puleo Tague, Flynn's family exercised their legal right under Michigan law to seek accountability through the citizen-initiated charge process. This allowed them to present evidence of alleged parental negligence directly to a judge for independent review.
The process involves several steps:
While the citizen-initiated charge process is available under Michigan law, it is relatively uncommon. Most criminal charges are brought by prosecutors. However, this process serves as an important safeguard, allowing citizens to seek justice when prosecutors decline to act, provided a judge finds sufficient evidence of probable cause.
The case is currently focused on procedural motions regarding whether the Michigan law that permits citizen-initiated charges also allows for the appointment of a special prosecutor to handle the case. This is a significant legal question that must be resolved before the case can proceed to trial.
This is one of the key legal questions being addressed in the current proceedings. Typically, criminal cases are prosecuted by the county prosecutor's office. When a prosecutor declines to bring charges and a citizen initiates them instead, questions arise about who will prosecute the case. The pending motions seek to determine whether a special prosecutor can be appointed to move the case forward.
Absolutely not. A citizen-initiated charge, like any criminal charge, only means that a judge found probable cause to believe a crime may have been committed. The accused person—in this case, Elizabeth Puleo Tague—is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. She has the full right to defend herself, present evidence, and challenge the allegations against her.
This case raises important questions about parental accountability when parents allegedly have knowledge of their teen's dangerous driving patterns and allegedly fail to intervene. The outcome may help establish legal precedents regarding parental responsibility in teen driving cases and clarify the scope of Michigan's citizen-initiated charge statute.
Any statements on this website regarding Elizabeth Puleo Tague's alleged conduct, knowledge, or actions are based solely on:
These allegations represent the complaint's theory of the case. Ms. Tague has not been found guilty of any crime and maintains the right to challenge all evidence and allegations against her.
The information on this website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. If you have legal questions, please consult with a qualified attorney.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information contained on this website. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and information may change as the case progresses.
Certain statements on this website may represent the opinions, beliefs, or advocacy positions of the Flynn Michael Foundation and its supporters. These opinions are clearly distinguishable from factual allegations made by prosecutors. Our advocacy for legislative reform reflects our policy positions and does not constitute a determination of guilt or innocence in any legal proceeding.
This website may contain links to external websites or resources. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or opinions expressed on these third-party sites. Inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by the Flynn Michael Foundation.
The Flynn Michael Foundation acknowledges and respects the constitutional rights afforded to all individuals accused of crimes in the United States, including:
The right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
The right to be represented by an attorney
The right to a fair and impartial trial
The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
The right to present evidence and call witnesses in her defense
The right to due process of law
The primary purpose of this website and the Flynn Michael Foundation is to:
Our advocacy work is focused on systemic change and policy reform. We believe that discussing the circumstances of Flynn's death—including the pending criminal charges—is essential to advancing these important public policy goals.
Nothing on this website is intended to prejudice any ongoing legal proceedings or to deny any individual their constitutional rights.
As legal proceedings continue, we are committed to updating this website to reflect new developments, court rulings, and any changes in the status of pending cases.
If you believe any information on this website is inaccurate or requires correction, please contact us at:
Last updated: January 2025
For legal inquiries, requests for corrections, or questions about the content of this website, please contact our legal team.