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James, Jennifer Crumbley bound over for trial in Oxford shooting case

Couple appeared in court for 2nd day of preliminary exam

Jennifer and James Crumbley, the parents of Ethan Crumbley, a teenager accused of killing four students in a shooting at Oxford High School, appear in court for a preliminary examination on involuntary manslaughter charges in Rochester Hills, Mich., Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (Paul Sancya, Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of the suspected Oxford High School shooter, have been bound over for trial on manslaughter charges in connection with the shooting.

The couple appeared in court Thursday for the second day of their preliminary examination hearing. Judge Julie Nicholson decided Thursday afternoon that the pair will head to trial for their alleged role in the Oxford High School shooting.

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More details: Counselor’s perspective, disturbing journal, ‘messy’ home: New evidence revealed in Oxford shooting case

The Crumbley parents have each been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter for their alleged role in the mass Nov. 30 shooting at Oxford High School. The couple’s son, Ethan Crumbley, is accused of opening fire during school hours, killing four students and injuring seven other people.

Prosecutors have accused James and Jennifer Crumbley of neglecting their son and ignoring warning signs of his disturbing behavior. They are also accused of purchasing and supplying their son with the handgun that was used in the fatal shooting last year.

Prosecutors have claimed that the Crumbley parents were more concerned with the two horses they owned than their son’s behavior.

James and Jennifer Crumbley did reportedly did acknowledge to their friends that their son was troubled. The parents even shared the violent drawing Ethan Crumbley made in school on the day of the shooting, which had teachers at Oxford High School demanding an in-person meeting.

Related: ‘Ethan did it’: Witnesses testify at hearing for parents of suspected Oxford High School shooter

Accused shooter Ethan Crumbley also appeared in court this week as a judge considers moving him from the Oakland County Jail to a juvenile center. The 15-year-old was initially housed at the juvenile center before being charged as an adult with dozens of felonies in connection with the shooting.

While arguing that Ethan Crumbley should remain at the Oakland County Jail, prosecutors said he tortured a family of baby birds, expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler and “enjoyed his dark side.”

More: Prosecutors say suspected Oxford shooter tortured birds, admired Hitler, ‘enjoyed his dark side’


About the Author
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Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

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