Crumbley Parents Can Face Trial, MI Judge Rules

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — A Michigan judge ruled Thursday that Jennifer and James Crumbley can face trial on charges in connection to the deadly Oxford school shooting.

"Whether a jury actually finds that causation has been proven after a full trial, where the record will almost surely be more expansive — including evidence produced by defendants — is an issue separate from what we decide today," a state appeals court said.

The court initially declined to hear the case, but issued the groundbreaking ruling after the Michigan Supreme Court intervened to order the court to hear arguments on whether there is enough evidence to bring charges against the couple.

The defense and prosecutors argued their cases earlier this month in front of three judges at the court.

The defense argued the couple cannot be held responsible for the "independent acts" of their son, who pleaded guilty to killing four students at Oxford High School, while prosecutors claimed the couple ignored disturbing warning signs from their son leading up to the deadly shooting, and instead of getting him help, they bought him a gun.

The parents were each charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the deadly school shooting that left four students dead and seven other people wounded.

Ethan Crumbley, 16, pleaded guilty to 24 charges, including four counts of murder, one count of terrorism, seven counts of assault with intent to murder and 12 counts of possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony. He could be sentenced in early June.

This is a developing story. Check back with Patch for updates.