Parents Of Michigan School Shooter Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter
Authorities charged parents James and Jennifer Crumbley with four counts each of involuntary manslaughter Friday after their 15-year-old son Ethan Crumbley allegedly killed four people in a school shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan.
WXYZ-TV, ABC's Detroit affiliate, reported Friday night that the Oakland County sheriff's department's fugitive team, the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Office are searching for James and Jennifer Crumbley. The Marshals have offered a $10,000 reward for information in the case.
James Crumbley apparently purchased the gun, a Sig Sauer SP2022 9mm, that was used by his son. Jennifer Crumbley has shown support for former President Donald Trump’s stance on gun rights.
However, CNN legal analyst Elie Honig said that it is rare for parents to be charged in these cases, let alone be convicted.
However, Ethan Crumbley posted to social media detailing his intention to murder people. Prosecutors will attempt to prove that his parents were criminally negligent and that led to the deaths of four people.
Ethan Crumbley is charged with four counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of fellow students Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Tate Myre, 16, Hana St. Juliana, 14, and Justin Shilling, 17. Another 17-year-old with a gunshot wound to the chest remains in critical condition.
Crumbley, who is being tried as an adult, is also charged with 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, seven counts of assault with intent to murder and one count of terrorism causing death. He pleaded not guilty in a Wednesday court appearance.
Though a motive for the shooting has not been identified, Ethan Crumbley’s journal was found by authorities which detailed his desire to shoot up the school. It was also revealed that Crumbley attended a class before the shooting. More recent reports suggest that he is on suicide watch and will not answer questions.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan said in response to the shooting, “The death of multiple students and the shooting of many others, including a teacher, is horrific. No one should be afraid to go to school, work, a house of worship or even their own home. Gun violence is a public health crisis that claims lives every day.”
Any attempt at federal legislation to curb the occurrence of mass shootings and school shootings has failed.
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