OXFORD, Mich. — Oakland County authorities have sentenced a student to life without parole for committing a mass shooting at Oxford High School.
The teenager, Ethan Crumbley, pleaded guilty to 24 charges, including terrorism, in 2024, according to David Williams, Oakland County’s chief assistant prosecutor. Initially, Crumbley had planned to pursue an insanity defense, according to a court document filed earlier this year.
During the tragic attack, four teenagers were killed, and seven others, including a teacher, were wounded. The deceased victims are Hana St. Juliana, 14, Tate Myre, 16, Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Justin Shilling, 17.
On Friday, family members and survivors shared their deep grief during the court proceedings, offering emotional statements. Jill Soave, the mother of victim Justin Shilling, told the shooter, “If you were that lonely, that miserable, that lost, and you really needed a friend, Justin would’ve been your friend if you had only asked him,” as reported by CNN.
Nicole Beausoleil, the mother of Madisyn Baldwin, expressed the pain she felt upon learning about her daughter’s death, saying, “I felt every scream that came from my body.” Adding that her scream should have shattered the glass pane between her and her daughter’s body.
One survivor, Molly Darnell, defiantly stated, “I will continue to live a life full of the human experience because I am the writer of my own story.”
Crumbley, who was 15 when the shooting occurred, was charged as an adult with:
- four counts – first-degree murder
- seven counts – assault with intent to murder
- twelve counts of- gun possession
- one count – terrorism causing death
Authorities discovered two videos on Crumbley’s cell phone in which he discussed shooting and killing his schoolmates. A journal in his backpack also detailed plans for the tragic event. The shooter’s attorney sought a sentence of 25-40 years, emphasizing his youth and mental illness concerns, according to The Detroit Free Press.
However, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Kwame Rowe believed the chances of rehabilitation for the shooter were “slim,” citing his lack of interest in personal growth and change.
A charge of involuntary manslaughter was filed against James and Jennifer Crumbley, the shooter’s parents. Both parents have pleaded not guilty. In October, a court rejected their appeal, and they will face trial for involuntary manslaughter.