The 15-year-old suspect in the Michigan school shooting used a new handgun his father bought just days ago to open fire at his schoolmates. Three teenagers immediately died in the attack, while a fourth victim succumbed from his wounds while on the way to the hospital.
At least eight Oxford High School students and staff were injured in the incident that took place on the afternoon of November 30. Three wounded teenagers are now in critical condition, while a teacher has been released from the hospital.
The suspect, Ethan Crumbley, a sophomore, has been taken into custody and has asked for an attorney as he refused to talk to the investigators. According to reports, the investigators believed that Crumbley used a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun bought by his dad on November 26. He had about two rounds of magazines while authorities were still looking for the third round.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard said during the press conference that the teenage shooter had the intention to "shoot at close range." The incident was pacified after 45 minutes, with four students losing their lives: Hana St. Juliana, 14; Tate Myre, 16; Justin Shilling, 17, and Madisyn Baldwin, 17.
Chaos Inside the School
Students initially thought that the Michigan school shooting was a drill after an announcement over the intercom confirmed the presence of an active shooter. Along with their teachers, the kids immediately rushed to barricade the doors and cover the windows. The students also texted their parents while in tears.
According to Undersheriff Michael McCabe, the teachers and students did everything right when they barricaded the doors and took shelter. The students said that they have been running active shooting drills in school. However, when the shooter knocked on one classroom door and said that he was the sheriff, further panic and chaos erupted. Their teacher directed his students to jump out of the window and run to the courtyard, where they came across the actual sheriff.
Ashley Bales, a senior student, said she was able to run outside with some of her classmates. She hurt herself as she headed towards a downward hillside because other students were also running away from the school. Her sister, however, remained stuck inside the building during the whole incident.
McCabe said there were rumors that something was about to go down at Oxford High School a few days ago. Mom Robin Redding told the press that her son skipped school that day because he didn't feel comfortable about coming to class.
Before the incident, Crumbley posted images of his father's new gun online. Superintendent Tim Throne confirmed that Oxford High School has no metal detectors, which explained why the student was able to bring a weapon inside. The teenager has been detained at the juvenile detention facility and is currently on suicide watch.
Charged As an Adult
The teenage suspect in the Michigan school shooting has been charged as an adult; thus, his identity has been released. He will be tried for acts of terrorism, first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, and possession of a firearm.
His parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, have advised him not to speak until they have their permission. In Michigan, authorities need the consent of a minor's parent or guardian before they interrogate.
It's still unclear what prompted the teenager to open-fire in school. Crumbley had no prior records with the police nor any school disciplinary records.
Investigators have been combing through his social media profiles to determine any indication that he would be terrorizing the school. The cops have also been to his home to take out potential evidence.
