Pontiac, Michigan – The first time in the United States that parents are being held criminally responsible for a school shooting, prosecutors in Michigan are recommending a minimum of 10 years in prison for Jennifer and James Crumbley, the parents of Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley. The couple was convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year, stemming from the tragic event that took the lives of four students in 2021.
According to prosecutors, Jennifer Crumbley displayed a disturbing lack of remorse for her actions, while James Crumbley neglected to take necessary precautions that could have prevented the tragedy. The parents were not accused of being aware of their son’s plan, but they were found guilty of failing to secure a gun at home and disregarding his mental health needs.
The judge set a minimum sentence on April 9, which will be crucial as it determines when the Crumbleys will be eligible for parole consideration. The couple has already spent about 2 1/2 years in the Oakland County jail following their arrest.
In a court filing, prosecutors revealed that Jennifer Crumbley is seeking to avoid prison time and instead be placed on an electronic tether to live with her attorney. Similarly, James Crumbley is hoping for release as well. However, assistant prosecutor Marc Keast argued that such leniency would downplay the severity of their negligence and the tragedy caused.
During the shooting incident, the Crumbleys had visited the school to address concerns about Ethan’s disturbing drawings. Instead of removing him from school, they left with contact information for mental health services and went back to work. Hours later, Ethan, then 15, retrieved a handgun from his backpack and carried out the shooting.
Ethan Crumbley, now 17, is serving a life sentence without parole after pleading guilty to murder and terrorism. During James Crumbley’s trial, he was prohibited from using a phone and tablet in jail due to making threatening remarks towards the prosecutor. The specifics of these threats were not publicly disclosed at the time.
The tragic case has brought attention to the responsibilities of parents in preventing such devastating events, as well as the need for stricter gun safety measures and mental health support for troubled youth. The judge’s sentencing decision next week will be a significant moment in determining the consequences for the Crumbleys’ actions in connection to the school shooting.