PONTIAC, Mich. — The jury in the trial of Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of a Michigan school shooter, has expressed curiosity about why her son did not testify in her defense. The trial revolves around the question of whether the parent can be held responsible for the tragic attack that claimed the lives of four students at Oxford High School in 2021.
After a full day of deliberations on Monday, the jury sent a note to Judge Cheryl Matthews, seeking clarification on whether they could “infer anything” from the prosecution’s decision not to present Ethan Crumbley or any other witnesses to explain how he obtained access to the gun used in the shooting. Judge Matthews responded that the jury could only consider the evidence presented in the case.
Prosecutors argue that Jennifer Crumbley had a legal duty to prevent her 15-year-old son from causing harm to others. They accuse her of failing to secure the gun and ammunition at home and neglecting to seek help for her son’s mental health issues. The morning of the tragic incident, school staff members had raised concerns about a violent drawing found on Ethan Crumbley’s math assignment, but he was allowed to remain in school after a meeting with his parents.
Later that day, Ethan Crumbley pulled out a handgun from his backpack and opened fire, injuring 10 students and a teacher, and killing four of his peers. It was later revealed that no one had checked his backpack. The gun used in the shooting was a Sig Sauer 9 mm, purchased by his father, James Crumbley, just four days prior. Jennifer Crumbley had taken her son to a shooting range that same weekend.
During cross-examination last week, assistant prosecutor Marc Keast pointed out that Jennifer Crumbley had witnessed her son practicing with the gun before the school shooting. She acknowledged that he knew how to use the weapon. Ethan Crumbley, now 17, has already pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism charges and is currently serving a life sentence. Prosecutors did not call him as a witness in his mother’s trial.
Jennifer Crumbley’s defense argued that her son could have potentially helped her case, but the judge ruled against calling him to the stand, as his attorneys indicated he would invoke his right to remain silent. There is a possibility that Ethan Crumbley may appeal his sentence.
Jennifer Crumbley and James Crumbley are the first parents in the United States to be charged in connection with a mass school shooting committed by their child. James Crumbley, 47, is scheduled to face trial in March. During her testimony, Jennifer Crumbley claimed that it was her husband’s responsibility to keep track of the gun and stated that she saw no signs of mental distress in her son.
In a journal discovered by the police, Ethan Crumbley wrote about his parents’ failure to address his pleas for help with his mental problems, stating that it was driving him to commit the school shooting.
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I remember visiting Pontiac, Michigan a few years ago and being amazed by the rich history and vibrant community. One of the highlights of my trip was exploring the Pontiac Silverdome, which was once the home of the Detroit Lions and hosted numerous iconic events.
As I walked through the massive stadium, I couldn’t help but imagine the roar of the crowd during football games and concerts. It was surreal to stand on the same field where legends like Barry Sanders and Eminem had once performed.
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