PONTIAC, Mich. – A mother has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the case of the Oxford High School shooting. Jennifer Crumbley, the first parent in the United States to go on trial in a mass school shooting carried out by their child, now faces sentencing and up to 60 years in prison, with 15 years for each count.
Following 11 hours of jury deliberation after a week-long trial, Jennifer Crumbley was convicted of being the last adult with the gun before her son used it in the mass shooting, which resulted in the deaths of four students and injuries to seven others. During the trial, Joe Tamburino, a legal analyst and criminal defense attorney, remarked on the potential precedent this case sets for future similar cases.
The father of one of the victims expressed his disappointment in Jennifer Crumbley’s testimony and lack of remorse, stating that he would have done things differently if placed in a similar situation. Meanwhile, the trial for her husband, James Crumbley, is set to begin soon with similar charges against him.
In the wake of the guilty verdict, the sheriff and county executive offered their support to the affected families and the community. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard acknowledged the ongoing healing process and emphasized the importance of accountability and responsibility. Additionally, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter recognized the verdict as an important step toward accountability, while encouraging continued support for the affected community.
Closing arguments in the trial included statements from the prosecution, arguing that the mother should be held partially responsible for the deaths of the four students as a result of ignoring signs of the shooter’s mental health needs and purchasing the gun used in the shooting. The defense, on the other hand, maintained that Jennifer Crumbley did her best as a parent and was unaware of the evidence presented.