Father of Oxford High shooter convicted of involuntary manslaughter

A Michigan jury found James Crumbley guilty on Thursday of four counts of involuntary manslaughter. His wife, Jennifer, also received a conviction on four charges of involuntary manslaughter last month. It's the first time in U.S. history that parents have been convicted in connection with a mass school shooting their child committed. Both pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their then-15-year-old son, Ethan, fatally shot four students and wounded seven other people at Oxford High School in 2021.

How can a parent be charged for the crimes of a child? Prosecutors argue the couple neglected their son’s mental health, made a gun available to him, and ignored warning signs that he was a danger to others. However, the couple’s attorneys insist the shooting could not have been anticipated.

The gun used in the shooting, a Sig Sauer 9mm semiautomatic pistol, was purchased by James with Ethan four days before the attack. Investigators found used shooting range targets hung in Ethan’s bedroom, which they said proved his parents were aware of his access to a gun and how to use it. Prosecutors argued neglect on James’ part for not placing a trigger lock on the firearm, a basic safety precaution. The couple also met with school officials on the day of the shooting about a violent drawing on their son’s paper, featuring a gun and bleeding human body, that read, “My life is useless … Blood everywhere … The thoughts won’t stop. Help me.” James and Jennifer did not inform administrators of Ethan’s access to a firearm and sent him back to class hours before the shooting began. Investigators also pointed to entries in Ethan’s journal for proof of the couple’s neglect of their son’s mental health. The teen wrote, “My parents won't listen to me about help or a therapist” and “I want help.”

How much time is James facing? He faces up to 15 years in prison, the same as his wife. Ethan pleaded guilty to all 24 charges against him last year and received a life sentence without parole.

Dig deeper: Read Leo Briceno’s report in The Stew on the behavioral experts discussing the important role relationships play in stopping school shootings before they start.