Defense attorney warns of precedent set by Crumbley conviction: ‘Criminalizing parenting decisions’

Mother and Father of School Shooter Set to Be Sentenced

The parents of Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley are set to be sentenced after two juries found both parents guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the November 2021 massacre.

Prosecution's Request

Prosecutors are asking the judge to sentence James and Jennifer Crumbley to serve between 10 and 15 years each. They described the parents' proposed sentences of time served as "a slap in the face" to the shooting victims. They emphasized that both parents have shown "a lack of remorse" for their roles in the tragedy.

The Mother's Testimony

During the trial, Jennifer said she "wouldn't have" done anything differently if given the chance. However, in a pre-sentencing statement, she backtracked on her own testimony, expressing that with the benefit of hindsight, she would have acted differently.

The Defense's Request

The Crumbleys' defense attorneys are asking for time served, with Jennifer also requesting house arrest and proposing to live in her attorney's guesthouse. Jennifer's attorney argued that "putting Mrs. Crumbley in prison does nothing to further deter others from committing like offenses."

Father's Alleged Threats

James Crumbley is under fire for allegedly making threats toward the prosecutor in jail calls. His attorney emphasized that James expressed remorse for those who died in the 2021 shooting. The attorney explained that James was venting about the lack of investigation done by the prosecution prior to authorizing charges against him and his wife.

Prosecution's Perspective

Prosecutors have suggested that the Crumbleys could have prevented the shooting when they arrived at Oxford High on the morning of Nov. 30. They pointed to Ethan's journal entries, text messages, and videos indicating that he wanted help and his parents were ignoring him.

Son's Sentencing

Ethan Crumbley, the school shooter, pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism and is currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Conclusion

The Crumbleys are set to be sentenced, and the judge's decision will determine the consequences of their actions following the tragic events at Oxford High School.