Crumbley Parents Say They Didn't Think Ethan Had Mental Issues: Report

OXFORD, MI — Jennifer and James Crumbley said they didn't think their son was suffering from any mental health issues leading up to the deadly Oxford school shooting, according to the Detroit Free Press, citing court documents.

Although the couple admitted their son was "experiencing sadness" over the loss of his grandmother, dog and a friend who moved away, they did not think he needed mental health treatment, the couple's defense lawyers wrote in the new filing, according to the report.

"The evidence claiming that the shooter was asking his parents to get him to a doctor or get him help was sent in text messages to the shooter’s friend," the lawyers wrote, according to the report.

The couple's trial was expected to start on Jan 17, 2023, after it was originally moved from October 2022. Each parent was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter after prosecutors said they ignored disturbing warning signs from their son and instead of getting him help, bought him a gun. They were housed in the Oakland County Jail on a $500,000 bond each.

The couple's son, 16-year-old Ethan Crumbley, pleaded guilty to shooting four students to death and injuring seven other people at Oxford High School on Nov. 30. He was housed in the Oakland County Jail while he waits for a sentencing date.

Read the full story at the Detroit Free Press