James Crumbley, the father of the Oxford High School shooter, insisted he did not threaten Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald, according to his attorney, despite using explicit language and making statements like "Your ass is going down and you better be f------ scared." In a recently filed court document ahead of the Crumbleys' sentencing, defense attorney Mariell Lehman asserts these comments were merely expressions of frustration over the prosecutor's handling of the case, not actual threats, Detroit Free Press reports.
Lehman explained that Crumbley's outbursts stemmed from anger over being held for more than two years without a "lack of investigation done by the prosecution prior to authorizing charges." Set to receive their sentences, James and Jennifer Crumbley were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter given their son, Ethan Crumbley, committed the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. Citing privacy concerns, other friends and family reportedly refrained from coming forward, as per a Detroit News article.
Accusations of James Crumbley showing no remorse and blaming others for the incident have surfaced, with prosecutors urging a 10- to 15-year sentence. Lehman contends, however, that not only were James' words misconstrued, claims that he gave the middle finger in court were wrongly interpreted actions of him trying to hear better through a hearing device. Lehman is advocating for a lighter sentence, hoping for time served or up to 43 months in prison with credit for the time already served, as reported by Detroit Free Press.
While the prosecution's read on Crumbley's jailhouse calls has been one of a man unremorseful and shifting blame, Lehman argues that certain calls demonstrate his remorse, specifically ones praying for the victims' families and expressing a desire to have acted differently, had he known. These calls were omitted from the presentence investigative report, deemed by Lehman as inaccurate, CBS Detroit detailed. Additionally, Lehman is requesting an independent prosecutor handle the sentencing, citing a conflict of interest.
Caught in the crosshairs of tragedy, James Crumbley's lawyer paints a picture of a man expressing "deep sorrow and regret," as opposed to the prosecution's portrayed unrepentant figure. Both sides present a starkly contrasting narrative on the eve of a sentencing that will mark another chapter in a case that has already set a precedent in the criminal responsibility of parents in connection to school shootings. The decision now rests with an Oakland County judge, set to deliver the Crumbleys' fate on Tuesday, April 9, according to reports from CBS Detroit.
