Oxford High School Shooter Sentenced to Life in Prison
The Oxford High School shooter was sentenced on Friday to life in prison without parole, more than two years after four people were killed and seven others were injured.
The shooter, who was 15 at the time of the incident, appeared for his sentencing hearing nearly three months after Judge Kwamé Rowe announced that he could be eligible for life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Before his sentencing, the shooter addressed the court, placing the blame solely on himself. This is the first time he has publically spoken since the incident.
"We are all here because of me," he said. "I am the one who led to why we're all hear today. I do not diminish any ability to anyone who could have stopped me, of anyone at the school or parents. They did not know, and I did not tell them what I planned to do. So they're not at fault for what I've done. I'm a really bad person.
Families and victims arrived at the courtroom just before 9 a.m., and Madisyn Baldwin's mom, Nicole Beausoleil, was the first victim to speak.
Family Members Speak Out at Court Hearing
During a court hearing, family members of the victims addressed the shooter and shared their feelings of grief and anger.
Beausoleil's Statement
Beausoleil, the mother of one of the victims, spoke about her child's intelligence, contagious smile, and how she gave her the strength to be strong. She also expressed her desire for the shooter to be haunted by his thoughts.
Tate's Father's Plea
Tate's father, Buck Myre, talked about the impact of his son's death on their family. He mentioned their struggle to save their marriage and how they feel a permanent void that can never be filled.
Tate's Brother's Words
Tate's brother, Trent, condemned the shooter's actions and emphasized the loss of potential for the four victims. He firmly stated that the shooter should never see the light of day.
Justin's Father's Opinion
Craig Shilling, Justin's dad, expressed his belief that someone who maliciously takes another person's life should face the same fate. He described the act as selfish and unjust.
Justin's Mother's Plea
Justin's mother, Jill Soave, shared her own grieving process and trauma. She requested that the shooter be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Hana St. Juliana's sister, Reina, and then her father spoke next. "He purposely murdered my daughter Hannah and three other children in order to make himself feel better," said Steve. " I want to make my position regarding the defendant's sentencing and his future very clear. There can be no forgiveness...There is absolutely nothing that the defendant can do to earn my forgiveness."
Several other victims followed and made their impact statements.
Oakland County Executive released the following statement:
"Today won't mark the end of the indescribable anguish and pain felt by the families and friends of Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana and Justin Schilling, as well as the extended Oxford community," said Oakland County Executive. "The life sentence delivered by Judge closes one phase of accountability and I hope it will allow the memories of those four bright lights to shine the way toward further healing, understanding, and commitment to protecting our children."
In October 2022, he pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with the Nov. 30, 2021, tragic incident that took the lives of students Justin Shilling, Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, and Hana St. Juliana.
He was charged with 24 counts, including terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree premeditated murder, seven counts of assault with intent to murder, and 12 counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
In addition to the shooter facing criminal charges, his parents are also behind bars.
Parents Face Charges in School Shooting Case
James and Jennifer Crumbley are each facing involuntary manslaughter after they were accused of neglecting to provide their son with necessary help, purchasing a gun for him, and failing to take him home after school officials expressed concern over his drawings days before the shooting.
The parents were granted separate trials last month after arguing that it was necessary to "avoid prejudice" and to "promote fairness."
Following the shooting, the Oxford Community Schools district and its staff have been hit with lawsuits and community members demanding accountability.
A firm hired to conduct a third-party investigation into the events leading up to the shooting found that the shooter "was not identified as a threat because individuals at Oxford High School failed to recognize on November 30, 2021, that the Shooter's conduct, statements, and drawings suggested that he might cause physical harm at the school."
The 572-page report from Guidepost Solutions also states that all levels of Oxford Community Schools "bear responsibility" and failed to provide a safe environment for students.
