Father of Michigan School Shooter, James Crumbley, Found Liable for Son’s Actions

A jury in Oakland County, Michigan found James Crumbley guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a school shooting carried out by his son Ethan Crumbley in 2021. Prosecutors successfully argued that James Crumbley played a role in his son’s access to the firearm and ignored signs of his deteriorating mental health in the months and days before the attack.

How Did We Get Here?

In November 2021, then 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley opened fire at Oxford High School, killing 4 students – Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling. He pleaded guilty last year to murder charges and is serving a life sentence without parole. Meanwhile, Oakland County prosecutors launched legal proceedings against Ethan’s parents James and Jennifer Crumbley, alleging their actions contributed to the tragedy.

The trial of James Crumbley focused on his purchase of the 9mm handgun used in the shooting just days before, and his alleged failure to properly secure the weapon. Prosecutors argued he ignored concerning behavior from his son, including the discovery of a disturbing drawing at school hours before the attack. The defense maintained James Crumbley had no way of knowing his son planned to carry out violence.

After deliberating for over 8 hours, the jury found James Crumbley guilty on all 4 counts of involuntary manslaughter. Victims’ families who have advocated for greater accountability in mass shootings said the verdict was an important step, while others debated if charges against parents set a troubling precedent. James Crumbley now awaits sentencing and faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.