On November 30th of 2021, Ethan Crumbley, a 15 year-old, opened fire at Michigan’s Oxford High School. Crumbley’s parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley disregarded warning signs, as they provided him easy access to a firearm, enabling him a handgun despite that Crumbley struggled with his mental health and contemplated violence. Jennifer Crumbley was sentenced along with Crumbley, charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, for her alleged role in their son’s rampage
In most of these situations, the parents of the children who committed crimes on their own, shouldn’t be put on the blame. Though in this case Ethan Crumbley’s parents, Jennifer Crumbley and James Crumbley shouldn’t be excused from this matter and deserve to share accountability over their son’s crimes because of their negligence.
Because according to an opinion written by a panel of judges from Michigan during March, prosecutors have claimed that the parents of Ethan Crumbley gave their son easy access to a gun. Had also allegedly ignored Crumbley’s request for mental health treatment after the teen said he was in need of help.
That same gun gifted to Crumbley was used during the shooting, disregarding warning signs prior to the attack. School officials also had testified that the parents deliberately chose not to take their son home, despite the school reminding them to get him immediate help, and even offering them facilities that provided same-day mental health care services.
Moreover, four days before the shooting, James bought his son a gun, which Crumbley described on Instagram as his “new beauty.” Jennifer then took her son to a shooting range. A few days later, a teacher noticed the high school sophomore searching online for ammunition, sparking concerned school administrators to contact his parents. Instead of responding to the school, his mother allegedly texted her son: “Lol. I’m not mad at you. You have to learn not to get caught.” Showing just how careless and quite supportive she is, despite the seriousness of the matter.
Parents who display negligence towards their children who commit heinous crimes should be held legally accountable and face imprisonment. This is essential to ensure proper consequences for failing to fulfill their parental responsibilities. The case of Ethan Crumbley highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in children and the severity of the consequences leading to the parents neglecting their parental responsibility. The fact that Crumbley’s parents not only failed to acknowledge his struggles but also enabled them demonstrates a complete lack of conscience. The tragic outcome of the four deaths and other counts of injuries serves as a stark reminder of how neglecting your own child could have such a profound impact on society.
Negligent parents who have children that commit serious crimes, should be held accountable as in addition, Ethan Crumbley’s father, James Crumbley has a trial set to begin on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. Charged with involuntary manslaughter as well as his wife, Jennifer Crumbley.
