PONTIAC, Mich. – The trial for the father of a Michigan school shooter continues its third day. Today, prosecutors are honing in on the events leading up to the tragic day at Oxford High School in 2021. The school counselor testified that Ethan Crumbley’s parents opted not to take him home after a concerning incident involving a violent drawing and disturbing phrases on a math assignment. Subsequently, four students lost their lives. James Crumbley faces involuntary manslaughter charges for his failure to prevent the killings. Counselor Shawn Hopkins revealed that he had intentions to involve child welfare if the parents did not take necessary action.
During the trial on March 8, 2024, James Crumbley frantically informed authorities about a missing gun at his residence. He expressed concerns that his son, Ethan Crumbley, may have taken the firearm. The prosecution argues that while James was not aware of Ethan’s plans to shoot up the school, his negligence contributed to the tragedy. Four students lost their lives, and seven others sustained injuries during the school shooting in 2021.
The Crumbleys are the first parents in the United States to face criminal responsibility for a mass school shooting perpetrated by their child. Prosecutor Marc Keast emphasized key points during his opening statement, highlighting the purchase of a handgun by James and his son before the shooting. The prosecution alleges that James failed to disclose crucial information to the school staff, including the acquisition of the gun and a visit to a shooting range. Despite concerning drawings on Ethan’s assignment and the parents’ response, no action was taken to prevent the unfolding tragedy.
As the trial progresses, testimonies shed light on missed opportunities to avert the devastating outcome. The prosecution argues that James Crumbley’s actions, or lack thereof, could have prevented the mass murder. Defense attorney Mariell Lehman contests this narrative, stating that James was unaware of his son’s access to the firearm and did not view him as a threat. Testimonies also reveal allegations of the parents neglecting Ethan’s mental health needs, disregarding his pleas for assistance. Jennifer Crumbley, the mother, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter charges last month and awaits sentencing.
In another compelling development, James and Jennifer Crumbley confront potential legal repercussions for disregarding warning signs and failing to secure the firearm used in the tragic school shooting. The prosecution underscores the parents’ negligence in addressing their son’s mental health issues and concerns raised by the school staff. The trial continues to unravel the sequence of events leading up to the fateful day at Oxford High School, underscoring the gravity of parental responsibility in preventing such tragedies.