The parents of Ethan Crumbley, the shooter responsible for the November 2021 massacre at Oxford High School, are set to be sentenced after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter by two juries. Prosecutors are seeking sentences of 10 to 15 years for both James and Jennifer Crumbley, while their defense attorneys are requesting time served only. Jennifer has also proposed house arrest, even suggesting living in her attorney’s guesthouse, a move that has been deemed unusual by legal experts.
During her trial, Jennifer stated that she would not have done anything differently even if given the chance, going as far as to express that she wished her son had killed her and her husband instead. However, in a pre-sentencing statement, she backtracked on this testimony, expressing regret and acknowledging that she would have changed many things in hindsight. Prosecutors have criticized both parents for their lack of remorse and minimizing their roles in the tragedy.
While Jennifer’s defense attorney argues that putting her in prison would not deter others from committing similar offenses, prosecutors have highlighted James’ behavior in jail, where he allegedly made threats towards the prosecutor involved in the case. James has also expressed remorse for the victims in jail calls, stating that he wished he had known and acted differently to prevent the shooting. Both parents are facing scrutiny for their actions leading up to and following the tragic events at Oxford High School.
Ethan Crumbley pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism last year and is currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. According to prosecutors, the Crumbleys could have prevented the shooting if they had taken action when they learned about Ethan’s disturbing notes at school. Instead, they left him there and went about their day, leading to the deadly events that followed. Prosecutors have also pointed to evidence suggesting that Ethan had reached out for help, which his parents ignored, and had detailed his plans for the shooting in a video made the day before.
After the shooting, the Crumbleys allegedly fled Oxford and went to Detroit with cash before being apprehended by U.S. Marshals. James had purchased the firearm used in the shooting for Ethan just days before the massacre. Prosecutors have highlighted the parents’ negligence in securing the gun and failing to address their son’s cries for help, ultimately holding them responsible for the tragic events that unfolded at Oxford High School. The sentencing of James and Jennifer Crumbley will determine the consequences they will face for their roles in the devastating school shooting.
