(NewsNation) — A jury found Jennifer Crumbley guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the Michigan school shooting committed by her son Ethan Crumbley.
The jury reached its verdict four days after the prosecution and defense gave closing arguments on Friday.
Ethan pleaded guilty to the school shooting that killed four teens at Oxford High School in 2021. But in a first-of-its-kind move, prosecutors charged both his parents for their role in the shooting, saying their negligence led to the shooting.
Jennifer’s husband, 47-year-old James Crumbley, is also facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter. His trial is set to begin in March.
Prosecutors say Ethan’s parents were grossly negligent when she failed to tell Oxford High School officials that the family had guns, including a 9mm handgun that was used by their son at a shooting range just a few days earlier.
Besides knowledge of the gun, the Crumbleys are accused of ignoring their son’s mental health needs. In a journal found by police in his backpack, the son wrote his parents wouldn’t listen to his pleas for help.
Prosecutors presented testimony from a total of 21 witnesses, including police and friends who witnessed the shooting, building the argument that Jennifer’s “gross negligence” led to the shooting that took four lives.
The maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter is 15 years in prison. The Crumbleys have been in jail for more than two years, unable to post $500,000 bond while awaiting trial.
The judge ordered a sentencing for Jennifer on April 9.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
