CLIVE – Former highway patrol trooper, Anthony Piercy, had his license revoked after the Missouri Department of Public Safety reviewed evidence in the death of Clive native, 20-year-old, Brandon Ellingson.
Local 5 had an exclusive interview with Brandon’s dad, Craig, after the state of Missouri revoked Piercy’s peace officer license.
“I just can’t imagine how it was dying like that,” said Craig Ellingson. “That’s what drives me crazy and I think about it at night. t’s just hard to live with because he was laying on the bottom of an 80 foot lake for 18 hours overnight.”
After years of legal battles, a decision by the Missouri Department of Public Safety will hopefully help his grieving process.
Even though Piercy has been stripped of his police power, Craig says it’s only a small victory for Brandon’s legacy.
“You know I don’t think the guy’s got a remorseful bone in his body is my thought.”
In May 2014, Piercy detained Brandon, and put a life jacket on him. But improperly secured it down. It was also the wrong jacket for someone wearing handcuffs.
“He is paid to serve and protect and he didn’t do his job.”
The boat hit a wake and Brandon was ejected and drowned.
“Personally with what I know and what he did to Brandon, he should have been charged with not only manslaughter but second degree murder.”
Piercy plead guilty to negligent operation of a vessel in September 2017. And ever since Craig has been fighting for stronger punishment.
With the most recent decision, the family says some form of justice has been served. Moving forward, Craig says it’s time to keep Brandon in his heart, rather than in the court room.
“He was a good kid. He was a smart individual and he would have made this world a better place and I know that for sure.”
Piercy’s lawyer said he and his client will appeal the decision.
