Michigan prosecutors are seeking at least 10 years in prison for the parents of school shooter Ethan Crumbley, alleging they have shown a “chilling lack of remorse” after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter. The prosecutors have asked for both parents to be sentenced to 10 to 15 years in state prison. James and Jennifer Crumbley were found guilty for their roles in their son’s mass shooting at Oxford High School, where Ethan killed four classmates and injured seven others. The parents have been in custody since their arrest in December 2021 and are scheduled to be sentenced. Defense attorneys for the parents have not yet filed pre-sentencing submissions.
Prosecutors released excerpts of pre-sentencing investigation reports, with statements from both defendants. James Crumbley’s pre-sentencing memorandum notes his lack of remorse, threats toward the prosecuting attorney, and claims of persecution. He expressed regret in a recent report and argued he should be released as he believes he was wrongly convicted. Jennifer Crumbley also showed a lack of remorse, stating she would not have done anything differently during her trial testimony. She requested to serve her sentence under house arrest in her defense attorney’s home. Prosecutors argue that such a lenient sentence would not reflect the severity of the tragedy caused by the parents’ gross negligence.
In James Crumbley’s trial, jurors found him grossly negligent for buying the gun used in the shooting just days before the attack and not properly securing it. Text messages presented in court showed Ethan seeking help for mental health issues, but his father did not take action. Jennifer Crumbley’s trial testimony revealed she would not have changed her actions, but she later stated she would have done things differently with the benefit of hindsight. She has been in jail for over two years and requested to be placed on house arrest for the remainder of her sentence. Prosecutors argue that the proposed sentence is inadequate given the severity of the tragedy and the concept of proportionate sentencing in the law.
The sentencing memorandums also highlighted the parents’ demeanor and statements after their convictions. James Crumbley has shown a lack of remorse and blamed others for his actions, even gesturing obscenely toward the prosecution during the trial. Jennifer Crumbley’s statements indicated a similar lack of remorse, with her requesting to serve her sentence under house arrest. Prosecutors argue that the parents’ actions and responses show a disregard for the severity of the tragedy and the impact on the victims and their families. The parents are set to be sentenced, and the prosecutors are pushing for a significant prison term to reflect the consequences of their negligence.
The prosecutors’ sentencing memorandums detailed the parents’ responses and behavior following their convictions for involuntary manslaughter. James Crumbley has shown a lack of remorse and has made threats toward the prosecuting attorney, while Jennifer Crumbley has displayed a similar lack of remorse and has requested to serve her sentence under house arrest. Despite expressing regret in recent reports, the parents have been accused of disregarding the severity of the tragedy caused by their negligence. Prosecutors are pushing for a significant prison sentence to reflect the impact on the victims, their families, and the community in the wake of the school shooting at Oxford High School. The parents are set to be sentenced, with a decision expected soon.
