Pontiac, Michigan – In a landmark case, Jennifer Crumbley’s attorney delivered a passionate closing argument on Friday, comparing the Oxford mass shooting to hypothetical scenarios of children killing people with kitchen knives. Attorney Shannon Smith made the argument to the jury for over an hour, drawing connections between Crumbley’s home life and her own experiences. She humanized her client, acknowledging that she too, as a lawyer, can become confused when faced with new information.
The wide-ranging closing argument also touched on the charge of involuntary manslaughter against Crumbley. Smith drew a parallel between Crumbley potentially facing charges of child pornography if her son had received a nude picture from an underage girl, and the involuntary manslaughter charge she currently faces. Smith used vivid examples to argue that Crumbley should not be held responsible for her son’s actions with the gun, just as a parent should not be held responsible if their child used a kitchen knife to murder someone.
Throughout her argument, Smith criticized the media’s coverage of the trial, despite the jury being instructed to avoid news reports and social media. The attorney’s closing remarks gained attention on social media, circulating widely.
The prosecution had portrayed Crumbley as a neglectful mother, pointing to her allegedly referring to her son as an “oopsie baby.” However, Smith countered this by highlighting that Crumbley had not planned all four of her children and questioning the relevance of such comments. Smith also argued that Ethan Crumbley, the shooter, showed no signs of mental illness.
The defense argued that the parents had no reason to believe that their son posed a danger, pointing out that they had already owned guns for months without incident. Smith emphasized the high burden of proof in criminal charges and presented instances of reasonable doubt.
The trial also brought to light Crumbley’s extramarital affairs and her use of an online app called “Adult Friend Finder” for secret affairs, adding another layer to the narrative. The defense objected to this line of questioning, while the prosecution found it relevant in light of Crumbley’s testimony about her affairs.
As the trial wrapped up, the court deliberated over evidence related to text messages between Crumbley and her attorney. Crumbley faces up to 60 years in prison, marking the first time in U.S. history that a parent is being charged over the deaths caused by their school shooter child.
The case has prompted important discussions regarding parental responsibility, the impact of media coverage on trials, and the role of mental health in preventing such tragedies. The jury will now consider the arguments presented and make their decision.