According to court records, Ethan Crumbley, the manslayer of the mass shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan, requested help from his parents in a plea for his life sentence. However, they refused to reveal records that he believed would help his case.
Parents of Ethan Crumbley Refuses to Help Him
These records, which Crumbley sought, included pre-sentencing inspection reports from the trials of his parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, who were found liable of unintentional manslaughter about the firing.
The reports were said to contain data about the family's background and upbringing, which could be appropriate to Ethan's plea. His lawyers debated that this data could shed light on his early life and mental state, probably influencing his plea process.
In response, James Crumbley opposed the motion, asserting that Ethan could provide his legal team with information about his family himself.
Jennifer Crumbley also objected to her son's petition, citing statutory benefit regarding the revelation of her pre-sentence record.
Ethan's lawyers petitioned that the records be issued under a protective order, permitting the court to review them exclusively. A judge was anticipated to decide on this action soon.
Additionally, Ethan Crumbley sought to introduce testimony from lay witnesses, specifically family members, regarding the environment he grew up in.
His legal team argued that such testimony could potentially affect his guilty plea or the validity of his sentence. They planned to present these statements and other relevant information in his appeal, despite concerns raised by family members about media harassment and exposure to danger.
The court refused a petition to keep the family members' names secret, citing public interest in the case.
Ethan Crumbley, who appealed liable to the firing, conveyed guilt for his actions before convicting, recognizing the danger he caused and conveying a desire to change.
Read Also: Mother of Michigan School Shooting Victim Describes Crumbley Parents Apology 'A Disgraceful Thing'
Ethan Crumbley's Parents Were Sentenced to 10 to 15 Years in Prison
Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted to 10 to 15 years in prison for unintentional killing after failing to hinder their teenage son from murdering four students in Michigan's bloody school firing.
Their trials, which concluded in February and March with liable decisions, marked the first time U.S. parents were sentenced for deaths caused by their child in a mass firing.
Judge Cheryl Matthews emphasized that the convictions were due to repeated failures to prevent a foreseeable tragedy, not poor parenting. Jennifer had requested house arrest, and James argued for time served, both expressing remorse during the hearing.
Victims' families described the destructive influence of the firing, with some calling the disaster avoidable and blaming the Crumbleys for not taking accountability.
Ethan Crumbley, 15 at the time, killed four students and wounded seven others. He appealed liable to numerous charges and got a life sentence without parole, which he can plead.
Prosecutors pointed out the Crumbleys' failure to act on warning signs, including a violent drawing by Ethan and his access to a handgun purchased by James. Defense lawyers argued that the parents couldn't have predicted the violence.
The Crumbleys' convictions have sparked discussions about parental responsibility and could influence future legal actions against parents in similar situations.
Legal experts believe this case sets a national precedent for holding parents accountable for their children's actions involving gun violence.
Related Article : James and Jennifer Crumbley Case: Prosecutors Request 10 to 15 Years Prison Sentence for Parents of Michigan School Shooter
