Mother of Oxford School Shooter Found Guilty of Manslaugher
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 6, 2024)
Pontiac, MI – Jennifer Crumbley has been found guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of Hana St. Juliana, Justin Shilling, Madisyn Baldwin, and Tate Myre. The four students were fatally shot by Crumbley’s son Ethan on Nov. 27, 2021 at Oxford High School. In addition to the four deaths, seven other people were injured by the shooter.
Ethan’s parents had given their son the gun. They also knew about his mental health issues and failed to act.
The case is unique in that it holds a parent responsible for the actions her then 15-year-old son took after receiving the weapon. James Crumbley, Jennifer’s husband, is also facing involuntary manslaugher charges, with his trial starting in March.
During Jennifer’s trial, she stated on the stand, “I’ve asked myself if I would have done anything differently, and I wouldn’t have.”
Jennifer Crumbley faces up to 15 years in prison.
In December Ethan was sentenced to life without parole after pleading guilty to murder and terrorism.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter released a statement about the verdict, saying “Today, my heart remains with the families of four of Oxford’s brightest lights – Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana and Justin Shilling – along with the extended Oxford community. While their pain and grief can never be diminished, the guilty verdict is a strong signal and an important step toward accountability. Let us all embrace the community with love and the continued support they need on their path toward healing. I appreciate the hard work and talented efforts of Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald and her team in this important case.”
Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated “My first thoughts today are with the families of the victims and the community so terribly impacted by this tragedy. You have my unwavering support. I know that this is not just a re- opening of a wound, it is tearing wider a wound that has yet to heal. Each time my staff re-lives that terrible day in that school through their testimony, I can see the burden in their faces.
“I applaud the jury that plowed new ground with this verdict today. If among a parent’s first thoughts when you hear word there is an active shooter at your child’s school isn’t to wonder if my child is hurt but is my son the gunman. That tells me you saw the signs and did nothing. Accountability and responsibility matter. There is ongoing help and support for the community not just through the Sheriff’s Office, but through the Oxford Resiliency center. Reach out.”
