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James Crumbley, the father of a US Michigan school shooter who killed four students has been found guilty of manslaughter.
During the trial, it was revealed that James Crumbley, 47, had neglected his 15-year-old son’s mental health needs by purchasing the handgun used in the November 2021 attack.
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After deliberating for just over a day, the jury reached the verdict.
His wife, Jennifer Crumbley, is set to be sentenced next month after being convicted on the same charges.
James Crumbley was present in court on Thursday evening when the verdict was announced, showing little reaction.
The case against the Crumbleys marks the first instance of parents being charged with manslaughter for their child’s involvement in a shooting in the US.
Their son, Ethan, fatally shot fellow students Tate Myre, 16; Hana St Juliana, 14; Madisyn Baldwin, 17; and Justin Shilling, 17. Additionally, seven individuals were injured in the shooting.
Ethan is serving a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
Steve St Juliana, Hana’s father, stated on Thursday evening that the prosecution of the Crumbleys represents just the initial steps in addressing gun violence in the US.
Prosecutor Karen McDonald, speaking at a press conference with parents of the victims, stated that the verdict signifies a moment of accountability.
During closing arguments, McDonald characterized the attack as preventable and foreseeable, emphasizing James Crumbley’s failure to take measures to prevent his son from posing a threat after giving him the gun.
The Crumbleys were charged shortly after the shootings occurred.
Both James and Jennifer Crumbley are scheduled to be sentenced on April 9. Manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
