OXFORD, Mich. – Deliberations are underway in the trial of Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the Oxford High School shooter. Throughout seven days of testimony, 21 witnesses were called by the prosecution, while the defense called Crumbley to testify. The trial concluded with closing arguments on Friday afternoon, but jurors did not have time for deliberations until Monday. Twelve jurors are sequestered, with five alternates observing in a separate room.
Jennifer and James Crumbley face four counts of involuntary manslaughter charges, originally slated to be tried together. However, a judge granted their request for separate trials in November, and Jennifer Crumbley’s trial is happening first. Her husband’s trial is expected to begin in early March.
The manslaughter charges stem from the tragic deaths of four Oxford High School students: Hana St. Juliana, Tate Myre, Madisyn Baldwin, and Justin Shilling. Prosecutors aim to prove that the Crumbleys neglected to take necessary measures to prevent their son from carrying out the shooting.
The prosecution argues that the parents displayed gross negligence by failing to provide appropriate care when their son reported hallucinations and struggled with his mental health. They also contend that the Crumbleys purchased a handgun for their son and ignored concerns raised by school staff leading up to the shooting. The defense acknowledges that the parents mishandled the situation but maintains that they could not have foreseen the mass shooting based on the information they had.
Excluding certain evidence related to the shooter from their trials, such as the parents’ infidelity and the shooter’s Instagram content, has been approved by the judge. The defense has also requested the exclusion of evidence regarding the shooter’s alleged bird mutilation, arguing its irrelevance to Jennifer Crumbley’s case.
While the separate trials grant the defendants the constitutional right to a fair trial, it comes at a cost for victims, witnesses, taxpayers, and additional jurors.
Regarding the shooter, he was sentenced last month to life in prison without the chance of parole for the murders of four students, injuries to seven others, and engaging in a terrorist attack.
The trial will continue with the jury’s deliberations to determine Jennifer Crumbley’s role in the tragic incident.