NEW YORK (AP) – The father of the Michigan teenager responsible for a deadly mass shooting at Oxford High School is facing accusations of negligence for disregarding his son’s mental health issues and purchasing a gun for him. James Crumbley is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the tragic incident that claimed the lives of four students.
During the opening statements of the trial, it was argued by Mr. Crumbley’s defense team that he had no knowledge of his son’s deadly plans. His wife, Jennifer Crumbley, had previously been convicted of manslaughter for her involvement in the case. Mr. Crumbley, 47, maintains his plea of not guilty to the charges brought against him.
Prosecutors asserted that Mr. Crumbley missed multiple opportunities to prevent the shooting, including intervening and seeking help for his son’s mental health issues. The tragic events at Oxford High School were deemed preventable and foreseeable by the prosecutor overseeing the case.
Witnesses, including a teacher injured in the shooting and a police detective, provided testimonies detailing Mr. Crumbley’s actions leading up to the incident. Testimonies revealed that despite concerns raised by school officials about his son’s behavior, Mr. Crumbley failed to take prompt actions to address the situation.
The text messages between Mr. Crumbley and his wife, discussing their son’s mental health, were also reviewed during the trial. Prosecutors highlighted the negligence of the parents in gifting their son a weapon shortly before the shooting, along with failing to store it securely.
Throughout the trial, emotional testimonies from individuals impacted by the shooting were shared, underscoring the devastating consequences of the events that unfolded at Oxford High School. The fate of Mr. Crumbley now rests in the hands of the jurors as the trial continues to unfold, with potential significant consequences if he is convicted.