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Ethan Crumbley Becomes First US School Shooter to be Convicted of Terrorism

Photo: Ryan Garza / USA TODAY NETWORK

PONTIAC, Michigan, October 25, 2022 ~ 16-year-old Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley appeared in an Oakland County courtroom Monday to plead guilty on all 24 counts against him, including one count of terrorism and four counts of first-degree murder.

Wearing a mask, long hair, and an orange prison jumpsuit, Crumbley was lead past a gallery packed with grieving families to take responsibility for the deaths of Tate Myre, Madisyn Baldwin, Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling, as well as for the injuries he inflicted on seven others.

You understand the maximum penalties you face here … life in prison, without parole,” asked Oakland County Circuit Judge Kwame Rowe. “Yes sir,” responded Crumbley.

PODCASTS:


October 25, 2022 ~ Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard talks to Paul W. about the Crumbley guilty plea, and he says police continue to deal with threats to local schools on a daily basis in and around the county.


October 25, 2022 ~ Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald talks to Paul W. about the Ethan Crumbley guilty plea yesterday, and she says the terrorism charge is very important because the suspect terrorized students, staff, and parents on that terrible day last November.


October 25, 2022 ~ A traumatic day for the families of the victims of the Oxford School shooting as the teenager accused of killing four and wounding seven admitted in court that he was guilty of all of the crimes he was charged with. WJR Senior News Analyst Marie Osborne tells Paul W. that there were several revelations in court that may impact future cases connected to the shooting.

(CONTINUED) During the hearing, Crumbley made statements which likely won’t help his parents, who are being held in Oakland County Jail awaiting trial on four counts of involuntary manslaughter.

It was not locked,” said Crumbly, contradicting previous claims by James and Jennifer Crumbley that the weapon was properly secured. Additionally, Crumbley told the judge that he asked his dad to buy him the gun, and that he gave his own money to pay for it.

Ethan Crumbley is expected back in court this February for what is known as a Miller hearing, where the judge will consider factors regarding the sentencing of a minor, even though Crumbley was charged as an adult. Sentencing is expected to occur soon afterwards.

Photo:  Detroit Free Press-USA TODAY NETWORK
Photo: Detroit Free Press-USA TODAY NETWORK

Crumbly Expected to Plead Guilty in Oxford High Shooting

PONTIAC, Michigan, October 24, 2022 ~ Accused Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley will appear in Oakland County Circuit Court today, where he is expected to plead guilty to all 24 counts against him, including one count of terrorism causing death and four counts of first degree murder.

Although Crumbley had previously pled not guilty to the charges, the reversal comes even as prosecutors say that that there are no plea deals, sentence reductions, and no agreements regarding sentencing.

(CONTINUED) Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the November incident, was seen earlier that day drawing disturbing images of violence alongside the words, “the thoughts won’t stop … help me.” His parents were summoned to the school to review the concerns, though they declined to take him home, indicating instead that they would get him counseling.

A short time later, Crumbley allegedly pulled a semi-automatic gun from his backpack, killing four and injuring seven. 

Ethan’s parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, remain in Oakland County Jail awaiting trial on four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors say that the Crumbleys purchased their son the gun and neglected to keep it secured, all while creating an alleged atmosphere that encouraged violence.

Jennifer and James Crumbley are expected back in court October 28 for an evidence hearing, with their trial slated to start sometime in January.

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