PONTIAC, Mich. – A Michigan jury heard opening statements in the trial of James Crumbley, the father of a school shooter who killed four students in 2021. Prosecutors emphasized that Crumbley had missed an opportunity to prevent the tragedy and is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter. His son, Ethan Crumbley, was responsible for the shooting at Oxford High School, but James Crumbley’s negligence in securing the weapon is being questioned in court.
During the trial, it was revealed that James Crumbley had purchased a handgun with his son, days before the shooting, and failed to inform school staff about it. Despite concerning drawings and phrases found on Ethan’s math assignment, the parents did not take him home, and the school did not demand it either. This lack of action led to the devastating shooting that afternoon.
Prosecutors argued that James Crumbley had the opportunity to prevent the tragedy but instead spent time making deliveries for DoorDash. They presented evidence of a gun lock that was never used, highlighting the negligence in securing the weapon. Defense attorney Mariell Lehman countered these claims, stating that James Crumbley was not aware of his son’s access to the firearm.
The Crumbleys are the first U.S. parents to face criminal responsibility for a mass school shooting committed by their child, emphasizing the seriousness of the case. Prosecutors also allege that the parents ignored their son’s mental distress signals, with messages indicating pleas for help being dismissed. Ethan Crumbley, now serving a life sentence for murder and terrorism, will be sentenced, while Jennifer Crumbley awaits her sentencing in April.
The trial sheds light on the crucial role parents play in ensuring their children’s safety and well-being, sparking discussions about accountability, negligence, and the prevention of such tragic events in the future. As the proceedings continue, the focus remains on the actions and decisions made by James Crumbley leading up to the heartbreaking school shooting.