Prosecutors had initially requested sentences of 10–15 years for the parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, who were convicted of involuntary manslaughter after their son committed a school shooting at Oxford High School in 2021. They were ultimately sentenced to 10–15 years in prison on April 9 in Pontiac, Michigan, becoming the first parents in the U.S. to be held criminally responsible for their child’s school shooting.
The judge noted that the sentencing guidelines did not fully capture the impact of the parents’ actions and lack of remorse, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences and suffering caused by their negligence. The parents were also ordered to have no contact with the victims’ families, and a decision on contact with their son, the shooter, was pending.
Prosecutors had pushed for the 10–15-year sentence, citing Mrs. Crumbley’s lack of remorse and Mr. Crumbley’s failure to prevent the tragedy. The maximum sentence of 15 years for each count reflected the lives lost in the shooting, which claimed the lives of four students.
While the parents were not accused of knowing about their son’s plan, they were criticized for not securing the gun used in the shooting and ignoring warning signs about their son’s mental health. The defense raised concerns about inaccuracies and bias in the sentencing investigation narrative, challenging the proposed no-contact order and other aspects of the sentencing process.
During the sentencing hearing, victim impact statements were read, highlighting the devastation caused by the shooting. The parents apologized to the families and asked for fair sentencing, addressing public perceptions of their lack of remorse. The judge allowed time for prosecutors to respond to requests regarding contact between the Crumbleys and their son, ensuring they would not be housed together in prison.
Overall, the sentencing reflected the severity of the parents’ negligence and the tragic consequences of their actions in the school shooting. The drawing on a math assignment contained distressing phrases like “The thoughts won’t stop” and “Help me.”
Following a meeting at the school, the Crumbley’s departed without their son only to have him commit a shooting shortly after. School officials had advised the parents to seek medical help for their son’s mental health, a recommendation they did not follow.
During Mr. Crumbley’s trial, he was prohibited from accessing a phone or tablet due to threats made against the prosecutor. Their son, Ethan, pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism, receiving a life sentence without parole.
The parents hoped to avoid prison, but the severity of their negligence warranted sentences beyond the advisory guidelines. Mr. Crumbley maintained his innocence, expressing regret over the events.
The defense attorneys sought less than five years in prison for the parents, arguing that they were not a threat to the community. Despite the tragedy, they believed the parents’ actions were mistakes any parent could make.
The parents’ lawyers did not confirm if they would appeal the convictions or comment on the sentencing.
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