In a groundbreaking move, Karen McDonald, the prosecutor who brought charges against the parents of the Oxford High School shooter for involuntary manslaughter and secured convictions in unprecedented trials, is sharing insights on the case in her exclusive network television interview.
Following the tragic events at Oxford High School in Michigan, where four students lost their lives and seven others were wounded, Jennifer and James Crumbley found themselves facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter in December 2021. They became the first parents in the nation to stand trial for their involvement in a mass school shooting perpetrated by their own child.
"The primary question I had was 'Where did he get that gun, and how did he get it?' And that question led to some really disturbing facts. We owe it to our kids to ask, 'Where did that weapon come from?' instead of just focusing on the shooter," McDonald reflected.
Throughout the trials, McDonald and the prosecution emphasized that the Crumbleys had bought the gun for their son shortly before the tragic incident and neglected his mental health needs. James Crumbley was also criticized for not securing the weapon properly, according to the prosecution.
Jennifer Crumbley was convicted on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in February. James Crumbley was convicted of the same charges in March. Both are awaiting sentencing in April.
Their son was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in September after pleading guilty to 24 charges, including murder and terrorism.
McDonald expressed her hope that the end of the trials will provide some closure to the grieving families. She assured the parents that she and her team would handle the case as if it involved their own children.
"The relief felt by the four parents in the courtroom, of Madisyn (Baldwin), Justin (Shilling), Tate (Myre) and Hana (St. Juliana) was significant," McDonald expressed. "Although this doesn't bring back their children, it signifies a moment of accountability. It is crucial for the parents, the other students in that school, and for all of us to recognize our responsibility to act with care, especially when it involves a deadly weapon and a minor."
The convictions of James and Jennifer Crumbley could have a broad impact, as could the terrorism charges brought against the shooter. This marks the first instance of a school shooting perpetrator being convicted of terrorism charges. McDonald expressed hope that these landmark decisions will lead to future changes.
"Many of the hundreds of children affected by mass shootings may not have physical injuries, but they will be forever changed," McDonald stated. "Moreover, in Michigan, we had students who experienced the tragedy at Oxford High School on November 30 and were also present on the Michigan State University campus during an active shooting. These events leave lasting trauma and scars that we must acknowledge."
