Pontiac, Michigan – Prosecutors in Michigan are urging a minimum of 10 years in prison for two parents who have been found criminally responsible for a school shooting, marking the first such case in the United States. Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year in connection to the deaths of four students at Oxford High School in 2021. They were not accused of knowing their son’s plan, but prosecutors argued that their negligence played a role.
According to prosecutors, Jennifer Crumbley displayed a disturbing lack of remorse for her actions, while James Crumbley failed to take basic precautions that could have prevented the tragedy. The judge’s decision on the minimum sentence will be crucial, as the Crumbleys could be eligible for parole after serving that time, taking into account their 2 1/2 years spent in jail since their arrest.
The prosecutor revealed that Jennifer Crumbley, 46, is seeking to avoid prison and instead be placed on an electronic tether under the supervision of her attorney. Additionally, James Crumbley, 47, is also hoping for release, but their requests have been met with backlash for downplaying the severity of the tragedy caused by their negligence.
On the day of the shooting, the Crumbleys had been called to the school after their son, Ethan, exhibited concerning behavior. Instead of removing him from the premises, the Crumbleys left with a list of mental health resources, only for Ethan to carry out the shooting a few hours later. Ethan, now 17, is serving a life sentence for his crimes.
During James Crumbley’s trial, it was revealed that he had been barred from using a phone and tablet in jail due to making threats towards the county prosecutor. Despite the lack of details on the threats, his actions have further emphasized the severity of the case and the impact of the tragedy on the victims and their families.
The sentencing next week will be a pivotal moment in this unprecedented case, shedding light on the accountability of parents in cases of school shootings and the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid such devastating outcomes in the future.