As the trials related to the Oxford school shooting continue, James Crumbley, (father of school shooter Ethan Crumbley) has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter and faces a sentence of 15 years in prison. Previously, his wife, Jennifer Crumbley was charged and sentenced with four counts of involuntary manslaughter and is now serving 15 years in prison without parole.
Prior to his parents’ respective trials, Ethan Crumbley pled guilty to 24 different charges including first-degree premeditated murder and terrorism causing death. On December 8th, 2023, under Michigan Judge Kwame L. Rowe, Ethan was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In other cases of minors being charged with similar offenses, parents have not faced any legal repercussions; however, due to the circumstances of this case, a new standard for parental involvement and prevention of school violence has been set. The Michigan justice system solidified the importance of preventative measures and the responsibility of parents with the charges of involuntary manslaughter.
Currently, the juror process is underway as James Crumbley awaits his trial. The court is taking careful consideration in the selection of the 12 jury members as prosecutors and James Crumbley’s defense elicit and assess the potential jury members’ opinions on guns, law enforcement and personal media consumption. Fox 2 News covers the jury selection process in detail, unveiling important questions regarding the role that parental involvement played in this school shooting.
Stemming from this case, Oxford High School and many other schools in Michigan and neighboring states have initiated their search for school safety implementations. Regarding change, Oxford has implemented new policies for its school system.
According to AP News, Oxford Community Schools has aimed to improve safety with new policies, security, and student regulations. A new “zero tolerance policy” towards threats has been adopted, ensuring that all violent language and behavior is immediately addressed. Jill Lemond, assistant superintendent of student services explained this in her statement, saying, “Anything that is remotely violent immediately goes to the administration and law enforcement.” In the same light, students who are suspected of this violent behavior will be removed from the school until a complete mental health evaluation has been conducted.
Oxford has also increased the presence of campus security. The district now has law enforcement officers present at each school along with its own security guard, provided by an unnamed security firm. In school, personal backpacks are no longer allowed but the district is working towards providing uniform clear backpacks to all students.
Hearing disheartening concerns from students and parents related to safety and education demonstrates the need for change and improvements to school safety practices. Through collaboration with law enforcement and school officials,The LockOut Company works tirelessly to ensure students and parents can rest easy. Learn more about our initiatives here.
