(RepublicanView.org) – James Crumbley is facing trial for involuntary manslaughter charges over the students his son killed during a school shooting in 2021. Opening arguments reportedly started on Thursday, March 7.
His son, Ethan Crumbley, began gunning down students of Oxford High School on November 30th, 2021. He killed four students and wounded several others at the age of 15 before later handing himself over to authorities. He was given a life sentence in December 2023 at the age of 17 with no possibility of parole.
Ethan Crumbley admitted that he was “a really bad person” during his sentencing. He said that no one should do what he did and that he deserved to be locked away for life. He also said that he wants his victims and their families to feel safe after hearing their statements during the trial.
The prosecution agreed with Crumbley’s confession, noting that he had a habit of torturing and killing baby birds for fun. They also noted the teen’s extensive planning ahead of the shooting and said that he had more than enough time to change his mind.
Prosecutors considered charges against his parents after reviewing text messages between Ethan and one of his friends. According to those messages, his parents were neglectful of his mental health issues after he asked for help. He claimed that he was experiencing hallucinations and excessive anger. His mother accused him of taking drugs despite a lack of evidence. His father reportedly told him to take some pills and “suck it up.” He even considered calling 911 at one point, but decided against it because it would anger his parents.
Despite the claims of neglect, his parents reportedly bought him a pistol for Christmas. He and his mother shared social media posts celebrating the gift. He later used that same gun in the school shooting.
His mother, Jennifer Crumbley, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in February. She faces up to 15 years in prison following her sentencing in April.
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