James Crumbley, the father of a Michigan school gunman responsible for the deaths of four students, has been found guilty of manslaughter. The trial revealed that Crumbley, 47, neglected his 15-year-old son’s mental health needs and purchased the handgun used in the November 2021 attack. The jury reached the verdict after deliberating for just over a day. Crumbley’s wife, Jennifer Crumbley, faces sentencing next month after also being convicted of manslaughter.
During the reading of the verdict on Thursday evening, James Crumbley displayed little reaction in court. This case marks the first instance of parents being charged with manslaughter for their child’s involvement in a shooting in the US. Their son, Ethan, fatally shot fellow students and injured seven others. He is currently serving a life sentence without parole.
Steve St Juliana, father of victim Hana St Juliana, commented that the prosecution of the Crumbleys represents just the initial steps in addressing gun violence in the US. He emphasized the need for more substantial efforts to protect children in schools. Prosecutor Karen McDonald, speaking alongside parents of the victims, stated that while the verdict cannot bring back their children, it does signify a moment of accountability. She highlighted the Crumbleys’ failure to prevent the tragedy despite having the opportunity to do so.
Prosecutors argued that James Crumbley did not take necessary measures to ensure his son was not a threat after gifting him a semi-automatic pistol. They also criticized the parents for neglecting their son’s deteriorating mental health. On the day of the shooting, the Crumbleys attended a school meeting about a disturbing drawing their son had made but opted to continue with their workday, allowing him to return to school with the weapon in his backpack.
During the trial, Crumbley’s defense lawyer contended that James was unaware of his son’s struggles. Unlike his wife, who testified during her trial and attempted to shift blame to her husband, James did not take the stand. The Crumbleys had purchased the 9mm Sig Sauer pistol just days before the shooting, failing to ensure its safe storage.
Advocacy groups, such as Everytown for Gun Safety, stressed the responsibility of parents and gun owners to prevent children from accessing deadly weapons. The Crumbleys were charged shortly after the killings, and while they were initially set to be tried together, they later requested separate trials. Both are scheduled for sentencing on April 9th, with manslaughter carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
In the wake of the trial, there is a growing recognition of the need for stronger regulations regarding the storage and accessibility of firearms, especially in households with minors. Advocates are advocating for laws that mandate secure gun storage and impose penalties for negligence in preventing unauthorized access to weapons by children.
Furthermore, there is a pressing need for increased mental health resources and support services, both within schools and communities. The tragedy at Oxford High School underscores the importance of early intervention and proper treatment for individuals struggling with mental health issues.