After the parents of Ethan Crumbley, the suspect in the Oxford High School shooting, were reported missing, their attorney is now saying that they plan to return and face involuntary manslaughter charges for their role in the tragedy that occured this Tuesday. James and Jennifer Crumbley are being charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the shooting that killed four and injured six others.
The Crumbley family’s attorneys, Shannon Smith and Mariell Lehman, now claim that Ethan Crumbley’s parents initially fleed for their own safety. NBC 25 News Reports–
“Lawyers are now saying that the Crumbley’s left town on the night of the tragic shooting for their own safety. The Crumbley’s are returning to the area to be arraigned and are not fleeing from law enforcement despite recent comments in media reports.”
This morning, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Blouchard claimed that the parents went missing in an interview on CNN.
““When we were informed the prosecutor had issued charges, we sent detectives out and got a call from the lawyer of the couple saying they’re not returning their calls or texts,” Bouchard explained. “So, if they think they’re going to get away—they’re not,” he added.”
The CNN host asked, “So, the Crumbley’s are missing now?” Sheriff Bouchard responded, “Correct.”
Subsequently, it was reported that the Oakland County Fugitive Apprehension Team was searching for Crumbley’s parents.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald explained the charges against Crumbley’s parents, saying
“While the shooter was the one who entered the high school and pulled the trigger, there were other individuals who contributed to the events on November 30th, and it’s my intention to hold them accountable as well. It’s imperative we prevent this from happening again. No other parent or community should have to live through this nightmare.
I’ve shared previously, and I will reiterate today, that gun ownership is a right, and with that right comes great responsibility. Based on the information and evidence that we have received today, I am announcing charges against the parents, James and Jeniffer Crumbley.
James Crumbley is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, Jennifer Crumbley is also charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter.”
During a press conference, the Oakland County Sheriff revealed texts from Ethan Crumbley’s parents sent to his phone.
“When the news of the active shooter had been made public, Jennifer Crumbley texted to her son at 1:22 pm, ‘Ethan, don’t do it.’ At 1:37 pm, James Crumbley called 911, reporting that a gun was missing from his house, and he believed his son may be the shooter.” It was later discovered that the gun was stored, unlocked in a drawer in James and Jennifer Crumbley’s bedroom.”
