In a widely anticipated verdict, James Crumbley was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the school shooting murders his son Ethan committed. His wife, Jennifer Crumbley was found guilty on the same charges last month. Together, James and Jennifer Crumbley have become the inaugural parents in the United States to face criminal accountability for a mass shooting perpetrated by their child. Central to the charges against them are the journal entries penned by their son in the days leading up to the tragic event. In one entry, Ethan expressed the need to locate a firearm concealed by his father, James, who had purchased a 9mm weapon as a gift for his son, subsequently used in the shooting.
Before the incident on November 30, 2021, it remains unclear whether James and Jennifer were aware of their son’s journal entries. However, they were summoned to the school on the morning of the shooting after a teacher discovered disturbing drawings by Ethan, depicting imagery resembling the handgun owned by James, along with distressing phrases such as “help me” and “blood everywhere.”
In the aftermath of James’ verdict, families of the four victims released a collective statement emphasizing that while they appreciate the verdict, it represents merely the initial step in their pursuit of justice and genuine accountability.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that while the guilty verdict holds the parents accountable, it cannot restore the lives lost. She emphasized the necessity for broader actions to address gun violence.
During the trial, James’ defense lawyer, Mariell Lehman, emphasized the lack of evidence indicating James was aware of his son’s intentions beforehand. The defense team primarily relied on testimony from James’ sister, Karen Crumbley, who asserted she had no cause for concern about her nephew until the day of the shooting.
In Ethan Crumbley’s trial, investigators revealed text messages and journal entries highlighting his appeals for mental health support from his parents, which went unheeded. The defense maintains that James was unaware of any potential harm his son might inflict and did not know he possessed the means to carry out such an act.
The sentencing for James and Jennifer Crumbley is scheduled for April 9.
James Crumbley, Father of School Shooter, Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter
