For the first time in history, a trial is being held against the parents of a minor who committed a mass shooting. James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of 17-year-old Ethan Crumbley, who killed four students at a Michigan school in 2021, are being charged with involuntary manslaughter for the murders carried out by their son.
Both have been in prison for more than two years and are awaiting trial for not being able to pay the $500,000 bail. Their son, Ethan (who was 15 at the time of the shooting), was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder, terrorism and other crimes.
The first trial initiated is that of the mother. The father's trial will begin on March 5. Both face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
