Mass shooter Ethan Crumbley, who was convicted of killing four classmates and injuring seven others in a school shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan, requested help from his parents in appealing his life sentence. He asked for pre-sentencing investigation reports used in his parents’ court trials that would shed light on his upbringing and mental state, potentially strengthening his case. However, his parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, who were found guilty in separate trials and are serving prison sentences, refused to disclose the requested documents, arguing that Ethan could provide that information himself to his legal team.
In response to Ethan’s request, James Crumbley urged the judge to deny the motion, stating that his son could inform his lawyers about his family life. Jennifer Crumbley also objected to her son’s request, citing statutory privilege that allows her to keep her pre-sentencing report confidential. Ethan’s lawyers, Jacqueline Ouvry and Alison Swain, requested the release of the reports under a protective order, allowing the court to review them privately. A judge is set to make a decision on the motion soon, after which Ethan hopes to have the records released for his appeal.
Ethan Crumbley’s lawyers have also asked the court to consider hearing from lay witnesses, such as family members who can speak to the home environment he grew up in. They believe that such testimony could potentially lead to a change in his guilty plea or a declaration of his sentence as invalid. His original defense team did not allow lay witnesses during his trial, but his appellate lawyers plan to present statements from family members in the appeal process to provide additional information. Despite concerns of media harassment and exposure to danger, the Crumbley family members are expected to provide their statements.
Circuit Judge Kwame Rowe, who presided over Ethan Crumbley’s trial and imposed the maximum sentence, recently denied a request to keep the names of family members providing testimony under seal. He argued that public interest in the case outweighed concerns of potential harassment. Crumbley pleaded guilty in the shooting that resulted in the death of four students, and apologized for his actions before receiving his sentence. The case has garnered significant attention and discussion, as Ethan seeks to appeal his life sentence with support from his family members and access to relevant documents from his parents’ trials.
Overall, Ethan Crumbley continues to seek support from his parents for his appeal, as he attempts to strengthen his case and potentially change the outcome of his sentence. His legal team has requested access to confidential documents and testimony from lay witnesses, despite challenges from his parents and concerns about harassment. The court is expected to make a decision regarding the release of documents soon, as the case remains in the public eye. As the appeals process unfolds, further details about Ethan Crumbley’s upbringing and mental state could come to light, impacting the next steps in his legal battle.
