Ethan Crumbley’s Pre-Shooting Note Reveals His Hunt for Father’s Hidden Gun
In a shocking revelation during the manslaughter trial of James Crumbley, the father of the Oxford High School shooter, Ethan Crumbley, a journal entry was read aloud by Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Det. Lt. Timothy Willis. The entry detailed Ethan’s plans to find his father’s hidden gun and carry out the attack on the school. The chilling words, “I will have to find where my dad hid my 9mm before I can shoot the school,” highlight the premeditated nature of the tragedy.
Ethan’s disturbing journal entries provide insight into his mindset leading up to the shooting. He wrote about obtaining a SIG Sauer 9mm firearm and stated, “The shooting is tomorrow. I have access to the gun and the ammo. I am fully committed to this now.” These entries paint a picture of a troubled young man who felt ignored and desperate for help with his mental health issues.
Prosecutors argue that James Crumbley acted with “gross negligence” by failing to secure the firearm properly and disregarding warning signs of his son’s declining mental health. They contend that James’s actions contributed to the tragic events that unfolded at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021. Ethan was able to access the 9mm weapon, which his father had purchased for him on Black Friday, and used it to kill four students, wound six students, and injure a teacher.
James Crumbley has pleaded not guilty to four counts of involuntary manslaughter and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. His wife, Jennifer Crumbley, was convicted of the same charges last month, marking the first time a parent of a school shooter has been held directly responsible for the killings.
The trial has also shed light on James Crumbley’s lack of caution when it comes to firearms. Detective Adam Stoyek testified that two other firearms were stored in a gun case in the Crumbley household, locked with the default combination “0-0-0.” This negligent approach to gun safety raises questions about James’s responsibility in allowing his son access to firearms.
The jury was shown surveillance video from inside the school, capturing the horrifying moments of the shooting. The courtroom fell silent as the video ended, and prosecutors requested a break to allow everyone to process the harrowing footage. These visuals serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of mass shootings and the urgent need for preventative measures.
Witnesses also provided testimony about the search and arrest of the Crumbleys after they became fugitives following the shooting. The couple was apprehended in a building parking lot, thanks to a vigilant citizen who recognized their vehicle from a wanted poster. The arrest was captured on an officer’s body camera, showing law enforcement discovering the couple lying on a mattress inside an art studio. The scene was filled with evidence, including cash, cell phones, clothing, and an empty bottle of whiskey.
The trial against James Crumbley will undoubtedly test the boundaries of who is responsible for a mass shooting. Prosecutors are pushing for expanded blame, arguing that parents should be held accountable for their child’s actions if they provide them with a firearm and disregard signs of mental health issues. This novel legal strategy seeks to address the broader issue of preventing such tragedies by holding parents accountable for their role in enabling their child’s violent actions.
As the trial continues, it remains crucial to reflect on the lessons learned from this devastating event. The importance of responsible gun ownership and mental health support cannot be understated. Preventing future tragedies requires a multi-faceted approach that involves addressing warning signs, providing accessible mental health resources, and promoting responsible gun safety measures.
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