Crumbley Parents File Intent To Appeal Convictions In Oxford Shooting

PONTIAC, MI — Jennifer and James Crumbley have taken the first step to appeal their sentences in the deadly Oxford school shooting committed by their son, according to court documents.

Each parent was appointed publicly funded lawyers from Royal Oak on April 16, the same day the couple filed a notice of intent to appeal. Michael Dezsi will represent Jennifer and Alona Sharon will represent James, according to court documents.

"I have to obtain all of the transcripts from all of the pre-trial hearings as well as all of the trial hearings, which then will help me discern what issues might be raised on appeal, what issues that might be challenged, evidentiary rulings – what evidence that was admitted that we might challenge on appeal," Dezsi told Michigan Public Radio. "So that will be the first step, just getting all of the transcripts."

The Crumbleys have not yet formally appealed their sentences, but will likely do so after being appointed public defenders. The appeals process can take years to play out through the courts and could eventually make its way up to the Michigan Supreme Court. In the end, most appeals fail.

The couple's son, Ethan Crumbley, has also filed anintent to appeal his life without parole sentence. His lawyers refused to allow Ethan's testimony during his parents trial's, saying he would invoke his right to remain silent.

Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl Matthews sentenced the Crumbley parents to 10 to 15 years in prison after they were each found guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deadly Oxford school shooting, which was carried out by their son on Nov. 30, 2021.

The four students killed in the shooting were 14-year-old Hana St. Juliana, 16-year-old Tate Myre, 17-year-old Madisyn Baldwin and 17-year-old Justin Shilling.