Parents of Oxford High School Shooting Suspect, Charged
The parents of suspected school shooter Ethan Crumbley are facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Oakland County prosecutor, Karen McDonald has called the parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley contributors to the tragic events that took place at Oxford High school on November 30th, when their son, Ethan Crumbley is alleged to have murdered four students and wounding several others with a semi-automatic handgun purchased by his father, James.
McDonald submitted several pieces of evidence to back her pursuing charges including social media posts made by the mother, Jennifer which depicted she and Ethan “testing out” the handgun.
It was also confirmed that James Crumbley purchased the gun on November 26th as an early Christmas present for his son.
On November 21st, a teacher reported Ethan searching for ammunition on his phone. When Jennifer Crumbley was contacted via voicemail by the school regarding the situation, she never responded, opting instead to text her son, Ethan saying, “LOL I’m not mad at you. You have to learn not to get caught.”
On the day of the shooting, the Crumbleys were summoned to the school after a teacher had shared a disturbing note found on Ethan’s desk that depicted gun violence and had the phrase, “The thoughts won’t stop. Help me.” Another phrase accompanying the illustrated violence was “blood everywhere”.
Ethan’s parents, while meeting with school administration that day, did not question their son about his handgun and declined to take him home for the day.
Less than three hours after that meeting, the first 911 calls were placed regarding shots fired at the school.
When the news of the shooting became public, Jennifer Crumbley texted her son, “Ethan, don’t do it.”
Shortly after, James Crumbley drove home to check if the handgun had been taken and found that the gun had indeed been removed from the home. James then called 911 to report the weapon missing and stating that he believes his son may be the shooter.
James and Jennifer Crumbley appeared virtually for their son’s arraignment on Wednesday, briefly appearing side by side on camera before turning their camera off for the remainder of the arraignment.
Ethan Crumbley, the suspected shooter is facing a slew of charges including four counts of first-degree murder, one count of terrorism and seven counts of assault with the intent to commit murder.
This story is still developing, and we will bring you updates as details unfold.
Update (3:53pm)
Jennifer and James Crumbley, the parents of shooting suspect Ethan Crumbley are missing just hours before they are supposed to be arraigned on charges of involuntary manslaughter.
The couple is believed to be driving a black Kia Seltos SUV with Michigan license plate DQG 5203.
Oakland County authorities have cautioned the public to not approach the couple as they believe it is possible they could be armed.
Update (4:20 pm)
Two attorneys working for James and Jennifer Crumbley have stated that their clients have not fled but are returning for their arraignment.
According to attorneys, the couple left town the night of the shootings at Oxford High school in fear of their own safety.
Despite media reports, attorneys for the Crumbleys are insisting there was never an intention to skip the arraignment.
Update (5:15)
The Crumbleys are not yet in custody and are now considered fugitives according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s department.
James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of suspected school shooter, Ethan Crumbley were scheduled to be arraigned on involuntary manslaughter charges.
