Pontiac, Michigan – In a recent trial, prosecutors emphasized that the gun used in the tragic shooting at Oxford High School was not properly secured in the Crumbley household. Although Michigan lacked a storage law at the time, there was a legal obligation for James Crumbley to ensure the safety of others, according to prosecutor Karen McDonald.
McDonald highlighted that the case went beyond gun access, pointing out concerning signs in Ethan’s behavior leading up to the shooting. The teen had displayed distressing behavior, including creating a disturbing drawing in a math assignment and expressing troubling thoughts.
Despite these warning signs, Ethan’s parents chose not to bring him home from school after a meeting, opting to only receive information about mental health resources instead. They also failed to disclose that a firearm similar to the one in the drawing had been recently purchased by James Crumbley.
Tragically, Ethan retrieved the gun from his backpack later that day and initiated the shooting, resulting in the deaths of four students at Oxford High School. McDonald emphasized to the jury that while parents are not accountable for all of their children’s actions, the circumstances of this case were particularly grave.
During the trial, a pivotal moment occurred when the prosecutor demonstrated how easily a cable lock could have secured the gun, underscoring the preventable nature of the tragedy. The unused cable was found in the Crumbley household, raising questions about why it was not utilized.
The victims of the Oxford High School shooting were Justin Shilling, Madisyn Baldwin, Hana St. Juliana, and Tate Myre. The Crumbleys became the first parents in the United States to face charges related to a mass school shooting by their child, with Jennifer Crumbley already convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
In closing arguments, the defense contended that James Crumbley was unaware of his son’s knowledge of the gun’s location at home. They also suggested that school officials had focused more on Ethan’s self-harm risk rather than his potential threat to others.
Ethan Crumbley, now serving a life sentence for murder and terrorism, illustrated an urgent need for improved gun safety measures and mental health awareness. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences when warning signs are overlooked and prevention measures are not taken.