The parents of a teenager who tragically killed four students at Michigan's Oxford High School are asking for permission to attend his upcoming sentencing, despite facing charges themselves in connection with the attack.
Ethan Crumbley, 17, is facing the possibility of a life sentence on December 8. James and Jennifer Crumbley, charged with involuntary manslaughter, haven't had any contact with their son for nearly two years, and all three are currently held in a suburban Detroit jail.
The defense lawyers, Shannon Smith and Mariell Lehman, emphasized the significance of the hearing in a court filing on Thursday, noting that this hearing matters greatly to any parent, regardless of their child's actions.
On the other hand, prosecutors are against the Crumbley parents being present in the courtroom, as they believe it could be a distraction, especially for the victims who plan to speak at the sentencing, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. Assistant prosecutor Marc Keast suggested that the parents might be allowed to watch the hearing online from jail.
The parents have been in custody since shortly after the tragic events in November 2021, unable to post a $500,000 bond. They are accused of contributing to the tragedy by making a gun accessible to their son at home and neglecting his mental health needs.
Their trial is set to commence on January 23.
Oxford High School witnessed the loss of four students and the injury of six more students and a staff member. The shooter pleaded guilty to terrorism and murder. The judge has stated that the shooter could face life in prison without parole, but a shorter sentence is also possible.
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