Michigan School Shooter's Mom Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter
In a landmark criminal trial, a Michigan jury convicted Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley, of four counts of involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday.
Jennifer and her husband, James Crumbley, faced charges in connection with the tragic shooting on Nov. 30, 2021, which resulted in the deaths of four students and injuries to seven others.
BREAKING: Michigan jury finds school shooter's mother guilty of involuntary manslaughter https://t.co/OZpFKBBICi
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Jennifer is set to be sentenced on April 9, while James is undergoing a separate trial. The Crumbleys hold the distinction of being the first parents in U.S. history to be tried for involvement in a mass school shooting.
During her testimony, Jennifer expressed shock and remorse, emphasizing her disbelief that her child could harm others. Her defense asserted that she had no knowledge of Ethan's intentions and should not be held responsible for his actions.
Conversely, the prosecution contended that Ethan's pleas for help were disregarded, and he used a gun allegedly purchased by his parents to carry out the shooting.
In an emotional statement, Jennifer expressed remorse, stating, "I wish he would have killed us instead."
Her defense attorney Shannon Smith argued that the prosecution selectively presented evidence to support the involuntary manslaughter charges and emphasized the complexity of real-life situations.
Smith asserted that Jennifer, like any human, is fallible and should not be faulted for failing to foresee the tragedy.
Prosecutors suggested that Jennifer could have intervened when she visited Oxford High on the morning of the shooting, where Ethan had previously exhibited troubling behavior. E
than's disturbing notes, including references to violence and despair, were discovered prior to the incident. Following the shooting, the Crumbleys allegedly fled to Detroit but were apprehended by U.S. Marshals days later.
The verdict adds a new twist to the growing number of disturbing cases of school shooting that seek to include more accountability for the parents of school shooters.