Parents of teenage school shooter 'ignored cries for help' in landmark case
The parents of a teenage boy who shot up his school are being taken to court for not looking after their son properly and letting him access a gun at home.
Jennifer Crumbley, 45, is fighting in court over charges that she didn't take care of her son right. This is the first time a shooting like this has led to the parents being charged. She and her husband are said to have ignored their son's needs and making a gun accessible at home.
Evidence shows Jennifer and her husband James were out riding horses and didn't answer when Ethan Crumbley texted his mum on March 17, 2021. He was scared and told her "demons" were "throwing bowls." He asked, "Can you text back?" Three days later, he messaged again when his parents were out with the horses, saying: "Clothes started flying off the shelf. This stuff only happens when I'm home alone."
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The murder weapon that was a Christmas gift for the 15-year-old who shot dead four students after penning a disturbing note (No credit)A computer expert from the prosecutor's office, Ed Wagrowski, said these scary things Ethan saw might have been signs for the parents. But when the defence lawyer, Shannon Smith, had her turn, she said there could be other reasons why Jennifer didn't answer, like bad phone signal or thinking Ethan was just making it up.
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Wagrowski admitted some points. "I don't know what she's thinking, no," he said. Seven months before the school attack in April 2021, Ethan Crumbley told a friend that he felt like he was "mentally and physically dying." He revealed he had asked his dad to take him to a doctor, but was told to "suck it up."
Prosecutors contrasted messages about how Jennifer Crumbley looked after her horse Billy, with how she seemingly neglected her son. She gave detailed instructions for treating her horse's bad leg: "Make sure you get in between the heel bulbs," she guided.
The home of James and Jennifer Crumbley (AFP via Getty Images)The day before the school shooting, the school tried reaching out to tell her that Ethan Crumbley had been looking at ammunition on his phone, but wasn't in trouble - this voicemail was played in court.
Ethan Crumbley was sentenced to life imprisonment in December after he admitted to offences including murder and terrorism. He was 15 when the shooting happened. James Crumbley is set for trial on charges of involuntary manslaughter in March.
Smith told the court on Thursday that the mother was "hypervigilant" about her son and shouldn't be blamed for the deaths. Jennifer Crumbley is expected to testify in the coming days. Smith hopes to challenge some evidence by having Ethan Crumbley or his doctors speak to the jury. However, his lawyers have stated he would use his right to remain silent and also wouldn't give up his privacy rights with psychiatrists.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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