Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences of 10 to 15 years for James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of the student responsible for a deadly school shooting in Oxford, Michigan. The Crumbleys were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and are facing up to 15 years in prison per the four counts, each representing a student killed in the shooting in 2021. In Michigan, felonies that arise out of the same event must run concurrently, so the judge can only impose a maximum of 15 years in total. The prosecution argued for sentences exceeding the advisory guideline range, stating that the parents’ gross negligence had lasting impacts on the community, as they could have prevented the shooting with simple actions.
The sentencing for the Crumbleys is scheduled for April 9th in an Oakland County court. This will be the first time the parents, who are currently unable to communicate with each other from jail, may see each other since their joint hearings before their trials were separated. The case signifies the first time in the U.S. that parents of a school shooter have been held legally responsible for the actions of their child. James Crumbley was previously convicted, and prosecutors allege that the parents failed to securely store a gun that the student used in the shooting. Despite not being accused of knowing about the planned attack beforehand, the parents were found guilty for their negligence.
Following James Crumbley’s conviction, it was revealed that he allegedly made threats from jail against Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald, causing concern for a lack of remorse and refusal to take accountability. The threats expressed a desire to ruin McDonald’s career, indicating a total lack of remorse on the part of James Crumbley. His defense attorney, Mariell Lehman, denied the nature of the threats and suggested a disagreement between herself and her client. The prosecution’s sentencing memo highlighted the lack of remorse shown by James Crumbley and his refusal to accept responsibility for the deaths of the students in the shooting.
The prosecutor’s office released information regarding proffer agreements made with two Oxford school employees who testified in the Crumbleys’ trials. These agreements typically allow witnesses to provide information without fear of it being used against them in criminal proceedings. The school employees had met with the Crumbley parents and their son before the shooting, giving insight into the events leading up to the tragedy. Despite rumors of immunity being offered to these witnesses, the prosecutor’s office maintained that there was never a promise of favorable consideration or immunity from charges for the school officials.
The prosecutor’s sentencing memo detailed the Crumbleys’ lack of remorse and their belief that they were wrongfully convicted. Both James and Jennifer Crumbley submitted statements expressing regret for the shooting but deflecting blame and refusing to acknowledge their role in the tragedy. The prosecution viewed these statements as a lack of accountability and a disrespect to the victims and their families. As the sentencing date approaches, it remains to be seen if the Crumbleys will appeal their convictions or if they will accept the sentences proposed by the prosecution.
