Share this @internewscast.com

Prosecutors in Michigan say that the parents of accused school shooter Ethan Crumbley ignored clear warning signs their teenage son was a possible danger to himself or others while they paid for attention to their horses — while one had an extramarital affair.

As previously reported, Ethan Crumbley, 15, is suspected of killing four students and injuring seven more after he opened fire at Oxford High School on November 30. The teen allegedly brought a gun to school that his father had bought him a few days prior. On the morning of the shooting, a teacher raised concern about a note and illustrations the student had made. Crumbley’s parents were called to the school but chose not to take their son home, and school administrators allowed him to return to class.

Crumbley was taken into custody without incident shortly after opening fire, and his parents were arrested on manslaughter charges days later after an apparent attempt to flee. In a response to their defense team’s request for modified bond obtained by 12 News, prosecutors argued that Crumbley’s parents James and Jennifer Crumbley are a flight risk and failed to intervene when their son allegedly demonstrated signs of potential violence.

“Defendants were in a better position than anyone else in the world to prevent this tragedy, but they failed to do so,” the filing reportedly states.

Prosecutors reportedly argued that Ethan Crumbley’s parents knew at the time of the shooting that their son was depressed, lacked meaningful social connections, and was “fascinated” with guns.

“The facts laid out in the brief we submitted to the court today speak for themselves,” Oakland County, Michigan, Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Williams said in a statement obtained by the news station. “And based on those facts, we strongly believe that the bond for James and Jennifer Crumbley [$500,000 each] was set appropriately.”

Prosecutors reportedly alleged that Ethan Crumbley had been sending his mother texts demonstrating a disturbed state of mind for months before the shooting. They also alleged that the teen had tortured animals and kept “baby bird’s head in a jar on his bedroom floor.”

“Instead of paying attention to their son and getting him help, they bought him a gun,” the filing states, according to the 12 News report.

The attorneys for the state argued in the filing that James and Jennifer Crumbley put their own recreational needs ahead of their son’s emotional needs, spending an excessive time caring for their horses. The prosecutors also alleged that the elder Crumbleys had substance abuse issues and that one had an extramarital affair. Further, prosecutors alleged the parents “attempted to destroy one of the” four cell phones they had at the time of their arrest in northern Michigan, near the Canadian border.

And the filing alleges the parents continued to put their own needs ahead of their son’s even after his arrest. Jennifer Crumbley reportedly wrote in a text to a co-worker that her son’s destiny is done and she has to take care of herself.”

Ethan Crumbley is being held on four counts of first-degree murder, one count of terrorism causing death, seven counts of assault with intent to murder and 12 counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He will be tried as an adult.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:

Source: This post first appeared on https://www.crimeonline.com/feed/

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Amazon Driver Allegedly Assaults Dental Office Receptionist; Subdued by Patients and Staff, According to Police

Background: News footage of the Emerald Dental office in Lakewood, Colo. (KDVR).…

Joran Van der Sloot Discovered in Critical Condition with Neck Injury, Authorities Report

Last week, Joran Van der Sloot, convicted for murder, reportedly attempted suicide…

Heartwarming Holiday Miracle: Rescue Operation Reunites 43 Children with Families in 12 Days

In a significant breakthrough, federal authorities revealed on Thursday the successful rescue…

Cunning Dad’s Deception: How a Doppelgänger Paternity Test Scheme Tried to Dodge Child Support

Earlier this month, authorities charged two men from Michigan after one allegedly…

Authorities Report: Boyfriend Accused of Fatally Assaulting Girlfriend’s 2-Year-Old Daughter and Concealing Her in Basement

Background: A section of the 2100 block of South Beechwood Street in…

Father Sentenced for Tragic Incident: Deliberate Harm to 8-Month-Old Following Walmart Dispute

Background: Justin Golden reads a statement in court at his sentencing on…

Judge Rules Trump Administration’s Firing of Federal Workers During Shutdown Unlawful: What It Means for the Future

Left: U.S. District Judge Susan Illston (U.S. District Court for the Northern…

Reserve Officer and Bus Driver Accused of Child Abuse Involving Seven Victims

A reserve police officer and his wife have been taken into custody,…

Mother Sentenced in Tragic Case Following Fatal Incident Involving Infant Daughter

Inset: Olivia Munoz (Mathis Police Department). Background: The 900 block of South…

Probationer Detained Following Home Invasion and Attempted Escape

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Taurus Cordarryl Duncan, aged 36, found himself…

Shocking Allegation: Freshman Student’s ‘Hit List’ Raises Alarming Safety Concerns in High School

A 14-year-old boy from Maine has been taken into custody after authorities…

Teen Paralyzed in One-Way Street Incident: Garbage Truck Driver Avoids Jail Time, Sparking Outrage

Background: The scene of the crime near the intersection of Rhode Island…