In a landmark verdict, a Michigan jury on Thursday (March 14) convicted a father for manslaughter over the crimes of his child.&nbsp;

James Crumbley, the father of a teenager who in 2021 killed four of his classmates in a mass shooting, has been found guilty after his wife Jennifer Crumbley was found culpable in a similar trial in February.

<h2>A preventable tragedy</h2>

The jury found James guilty of ignoring his 15-year-old son Ethan Crumbley's mental health needs and buying him the gun used in the November 2021 attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-the-us-first-parent-to-be-convicted-of-manslaughter-for-their-childs-mass-shooting-spree-687841">Who is Jennifer Crumbley? First US parent to be convicted of manslaughter for her child's mass shooting crime</a>

Prosecutors, as per Reuters, argued that James and his wife both bore responsibility for the Oxford High School tragedy that was "preventable and foreseeable".

Speaking at a press conference after the verdict, prosecutor Karen McDonald&nbsp;said that while the verdict "does not bring back their children, it does mark a moment of accountability".

"These parents [James and Jennifer Crumbley] could have prevented this tragedy with just the smallest of efforts," she added, as quoted by the BBC.&nbsp;

<h2>Unprecedented case</h2>

This is the first time in American history that parents were put on trial over their child's crime.&nbsp;

On 30 November 2021, Ethan Crumbley went on a shooting spree in his school at Oxford High School in Michigan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blame-game-michigan-school-shooters-mother-says-husband-was-responsible-for-storing-gun-686282">Blame game: Michigan school shooter's mother says husband was responsible for storing gun</a>

The teenager, who was 15 years old at the time of the attack, killed four of his classmates and injured seven others.

Ethan&nbsp;pleaded guilty during his trial and is serving a life sentence for his crimes.

<h2>Who is to blame?</h2>

In contrast to his wife, James did not take the stand during his trial.

During her trial, Jennifer had sought to blame James for the onerous blunder that led to their son's actions.

She had testified that her husband (James) brought their son to a gun store the day after Thanksgiving and bought him a gun as a gift.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas:&nbsp;Stabbing, killings, mass shootings.&nbsp;What is driving children to crime?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-stabbing-killings-mass-shootings-what-is-driving-children-to-crime-670132/embed" width="560"></iframe>

When asked who was responsible for storing the gun, she explicitly said, "My husband is", and claimed that she "didn't feel comfortable" being responsible for safely storing the gun.

Amid America's gun epidemic, a huge number of deadly firearm incidents involve young people. Due to this, pressure has been mounting to punish parents who knowingly or unknowingly make it possible for their children to get weapons.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a landmark verdict, a Michigan jury on Thursday (March 14) convicted a father for manslaughter over the crimes of his child. James Crumbley, the father of a teenager who in 2021 killed four of his classmates in a mass shooting, has been found guilty after his wife Jennifer Crumbley was found culpable in a similar trial in February.

In a landmark verdict, a Michigan jury on Thursday (March 14) convicted a father for manslaughter over the crimes of his child. James Crumbley, the father of a teenager who in 2021 killed four of his classmates in a mass shooting, has been found guilty after his wife Jennifer Crumbley was found culpable in a similar trial in February. A preventable tragedy The jury found James guilty of ignoring his 15-year-old son Ethan Crumbley's mental health needs and buying him the gun used in the November 2021 attack. Also read | Who is Jennifer Crumbley? First US parent to be convicted of manslaughter for her child's mass shooting crime Prosecutors, as per Reuters, argued that James and his wife both bore responsibility for the Oxford High School tragedy that was "preventable and foreseeable". Speaking at a press conference after the verdict, prosecutor Karen McDonald said that while the verdict "does not bring back their children, it does mark a moment of accountability". "These parents [James and Jennifer Crumbley] could have prevented this tragedy with just the smallest of efforts," she added, as quoted by the BBC. Unprecedented case This is the first time in American history that parents were put on trial over their child's crime. On 30 November 2021, Ethan Crumbley went on a shooting spree in his school at Oxford High School in Michigan. Also read | Blame game: Michigan school shooter's mother says husband was responsible for storing gun The teenager, who was 15 years old at the time of the attack, killed four of his classmates and injured seven others. Ethan pleaded guilty during his trial and is serving a life sentence for his crimes. Who is to blame? In contrast to his wife, James did not take the stand during his trial. During her trial, Jennifer had sought to blame James for the onerous blunder that led to their son's actions. She had testified that her husband (James) brought their son to a gun store the day after Thanksgiving and bought him a gun as a gift. Also watch | Gravitas: Stabbing, killings, mass shootings. What is driving children to crime? When asked who was responsible for storing the gun, she explicitly said, "My husband is", and claimed that she "didn't feel comfortable" being responsible for safely storing the gun. Amid America's gun epidemic, a huge number of deadly firearm incidents involve young people. Due to this, pressure has been mounting to punish parents who knowingly or unknowingly make it possible for their children to get weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Michigan school shooter's father held accountable for son's crime, convicted on manslaughter charges

In the United States, a jury has, for the first time, found a parent guilty of failing to stop their child from committing a crime. 45-year-old Jennifer Crumbley has become the first US parent to be convicted of manslaughter over a mass shooting carried out by her son Ethan in November 2021.

<h2>Who is Jennifer Crumbley?</h2>

Jennifer Crumbley is the mother of 17-year-old Ethan Crumbley, who on 30 November 2021, went on a shooting spree in his school at Oxford High School in Michigan.&nbsp;

The teenager, who was 15 years old at the time of the attack, killed four of his classmates and injured seven others.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blame-game-michigan-school-shooters-mother-says-husband-was-responsible-for-storing-gun-686282">Blame game: Michigan school shooter's mother says husband was responsible for storing gun</a>

Jennifer was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter for the deaths, each of which, as per the BBC, carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.&nbsp;

She has been convicted on all four counts and is set to be sentenced on April 15th.&nbsp;

<h2>Unprecedented case</h2>

This is the first time in American history that parents are on trial over their child's crime. Shooter Ethan Crumbley's father James, 47, is also facing charges of manslaughter in a separate trial.

While the mother is the first parent to go on trial for a mass shooting carried out by their child, the father James will go on trial in March.

The shooter, Ethan, pleaded guilty during his trial and is serving a life sentence for his crimes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-michigan-school-shooters-mom-held-sex-parties-while-ignoring-sons-pleas-for-mental-support-report-686660">Michigan school shooter's mom held sex parties while ignoring son's pleas for mental health support: Report</a>

Amid America's gun epidemic, a huge number of deadly firearms incidents involve young people. Due to this, pressure has been mounting to punish parents who knowingly or unknowingly make it possible for their children to get weapons.

<h2>Can parents be blamed for their children's crimes?</h2>

Prosecutors argue that the tragic shooting could have been avoided if the parents had paid attention.&nbsp;

In her closing arguments, prosecutor Karen McDonald, as quoted by AFP, told the jury that Jennifer failed to "exercise ordinary care when the smallest, tragically simple thing could have prevented it."

"She could have locked the ammunition. She could have locked the gun," said McDonald, adding "She could have told the school they had just gifted him a gun."

"She could have told the school about her son being in crisis previously and asking for help."

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas:&nbsp;Stabbing, killings, mass shootings.&nbsp;What is driving children to crime?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-stabbing-killings-mass-shootings-what-is-driving-children-to-crime-670132/embed" width="560"></iframe>

However, Jennifer Crumbley's lawyers argue that she is being unfairly blamed. Her defence attorney Shannon Smith contends that Crumbley cannot be held accountable for her son's actions.

"No one could have expected this," she stressed.&nbsp;

"Can every parent really be responsible for everything their children do?"

"This case is a very dangerous one for parents out there," added Smith.

Previously, during her testimony, Jennifer had sought to blame her husband for the onerous blunder. She testified that her husband brought their son to a gun store the day after Thanksgiving and bought him a gun as a gift.

When asked who was responsible for storing the gun, she said "My husband is", and said that she "didn't feel comfortable" being responsible for safely storing the gun.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the United States, a jury has, for the first time, found a parent guilty of failing to stop their child from committing a crime. 45-year-old Jennifer Crumbley has become the first US parent to be convicted of manslaughter over a mass shooting carried out by her son Ethan in November 2021.

In the United States, a jury has, for the first time, found a parent guilty of failing to stop their child from committing a crime. 45-year-old Jennifer Crumbley has become the first US parent to be convicted of manslaughter over a mass shooting carried out by her son Ethan in November 2021. Who is Jennifer Crumbley? Jennifer Crumbley is the mother of 17-year-old Ethan Crumbley, who on 30 November 2021, went on a shooting spree in his school at Oxford High School in Michigan. The teenager, who was 15 years old at the time of the attack, killed four of his classmates and injured seven others. Also read | Blame game: Michigan school shooter's mother says husband was responsible for storing gun Jennifer was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter for the deaths, each of which, as per the BBC, carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. She has been convicted on all four counts and is set to be sentenced on April 15th. Unprecedented case This is the first time in American history that parents are on trial over their child's crime. Shooter Ethan Crumbley's father James, 47, is also facing charges of manslaughter in a separate trial. While the mother is the first parent to go on trial for a mass shooting carried out by their child, the father James will go on trial in March. The shooter, Ethan, pleaded guilty during his trial and is serving a life sentence for his crimes. Also read | Michigan school shooter's mom held sex parties while ignoring son's pleas for mental health support: Report Amid America's gun epidemic, a huge number of deadly firearms incidents involve young people. Due to this, pressure has been mounting to punish parents who knowingly or unknowingly make it possible for their children to get weapons. Can parents be blamed for their children's crimes? Prosecutors argue that the tragic shooting could have been avoided if the parents had paid attention. In her closing arguments, prosecutor Karen McDonald, as quoted by AFP, told the jury that Jennifer failed to "exercise ordinary care when the smallest, tragically simple thing could have prevented it." "She could have locked the ammunition. She could have locked the gun," said McDonald, adding "She could have told the school they had just gifted him a gun." "She could have told the school about her son being in crisis previously and asking for help." Also watch | Gravitas: Stabbing, killings, mass shootings. What is driving children to crime? However, Jennifer Crumbley's lawyers argue that she is being unfairly blamed. Her defence attorney Shannon Smith contends that Crumbley cannot be held accountable for her son's actions. "No one could have expected this," she stressed. "Can every parent really be responsible for everything their children do?" "This case is a very dangerous one for parents out there," added Smith. Previously, during her testimony, Jennifer had sought to blame her husband for the onerous blunder. She testified that her husband brought their son to a gun store the day after Thanksgiving and bought him a gun as a gift. When asked who was responsible for storing the gun, she said "My husband is", and said that she "didn't feel comfortable" being responsible for safely storing the gun. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Jennifer Crumbley? First US parent to be convicted of manslaughter for her child's mass shooting crime

The mother of the teenage boy behind the November 2021 school gun massacre has sought to blame her husband for failing to lock up the guns.

Michigan-resident Jennifer Crumbley, who is on trial on manslaughter charges for failing to stop her son from killing four and injuring others, on Thursday (Feb 1st) claimed that her spouse was responsible for safekeeping of the arms.

<h2>Blame Game?</h2>

On the sixth day of her trial (Thursday Feb 1st), 45-year-old Jennifer Crumbley took the stand. She is due for a cross-examination on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-michigan-shool-shooter-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-without-parole-667787">US: Michigan school shooter sentenced to life in prison without parole</a>

She testified that her husband brought their son to a gun store the day after Thanksgiving to buy him a gun as a gift.

When asked who was responsible for storing the gun, she said "My husband is".

As per BBC, she said that she "didn't feel comfortable" being responsible for safely storing the gun.

"It was more his thing, so I let him handle that," she said, adding, "I didn't feel comfortable putting the lock thing on it. I'd just rather not, and let him do it."

According to Jennifer, the gun which had a cable lock was unlocked by her husband so she could take their son to a gun range, a few days later.

She said the gun was hidden in their bedroom, but that the keys were kept in the kitchen, and claimed that she wasn't aware that the teenager knew the location of the gun.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-teen-shooters-parents-to-face-trial-642296" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-teen-shooters-parents-to-face-trial-642296&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBtvGRjIyEAxWzd_UHHUM2CnwQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1yXyK03zk4nfhci0zttRT4" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-teen-shooters-parents-to-face-trial-642296" target="_blank">Michigan teen shooter's parents to face trial</a>

Her lawyers claim that she could not have predicted her son's actions, and that she was being unfairly blamed.&nbsp;

However, last year, at the attacker's trial, his lawyers argued that the teenager was neglected by his parents. A diary entry from just before the mass shooting was found to read: "I have zero help for my mental problems and it's causing me to shoot up the f*****g school."

<h2>Unprecedented case</h2>

The shooter Ethan Crumbley's parents Jennifer and James are facing&nbsp;charges of manslaughter in unprecedented trials, with the mother being the first parent to go on trial for a mass shooting carried out by their child.

James will go on trial next. If found guilty, they both face a 15-year sentence each.&nbsp;

The shooter, Ethan, who was 15 years old at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty during his trial and is serving a life sentence for his crimes.

(With inputs from agencies)

The mother of the teenage boy behind the November 2021 school gun massacre has sought to blame her husband for failing to lock up the guns. Michigan-resident Jennifer Crumbley, who is on trial on manslaughter charges for failing to stop her son from killing four and injuring others, on Thursday (Feb 1st) claimed that her spouse was responsible for safekeeping of the arms.

The mother of the teenage boy behind the November 2021 school gun massacre has sought to blame her husband for failing to lock up the guns. Michigan-resident Jennifer Crumbley, who is on trial on manslaughter charges for failing to stop her son from killing four and injuring others, on Thursday (Feb 1st) claimed that her spouse was responsible for safekeeping of the arms. Blame Game? On the sixth day of her trial (Thursday Feb 1st), 45-year-old Jennifer Crumbley took the stand. She is due for a cross-examination on Friday. Also read | US: Michigan school shooter sentenced to life in prison without parole She testified that her husband brought their son to a gun store the day after Thanksgiving to buy him a gun as a gift. When asked who was responsible for storing the gun, she said "My husband is". As per BBC, she said that she "didn't feel comfortable" being responsible for safely storing the gun. "It was more his thing, so I let him handle that," she said, adding, "I didn't feel comfortable putting the lock thing on it. I'd just rather not, and let him do it." According to Jennifer, the gun which had a cable lock was unlocked by her husband so she could take their son to a gun range, a few days later. She said the gun was hidden in their bedroom, but that the keys were kept in the kitchen, and claimed that she wasn't aware that the teenager knew the location of the gun. Also read | Michigan teen shooter's parents to face trial Her lawyers claim that she could not have predicted her son's actions, and that she was being unfairly blamed. However, last year, at the attacker's trial, his lawyers argued that the teenager was neglected by his parents. A diary entry from just before the mass shooting was found to read: "I have zero help for my mental problems and it's causing me to shoot up the f*****g school." Unprecedented case The shooter Ethan Crumbley's parents Jennifer and James are facing charges of manslaughter in unprecedented trials, with the mother being the first parent to go on trial for a mass shooting carried out by their child. James will go on trial next. If found guilty, they both face a 15-year sentence each. The shooter, Ethan, who was 15 years old at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty during his trial and is serving a life sentence for his crimes. (With inputs from agencies)

Blame game: Michigan school shooter's mother says husband was responsible for storing gun

The parents of the alleged Michigan school shooter were taken into custody, the police confirmed on Saturday.

James and Jennifer Crumbley have been charged with involuntary manslaughter for buying their son the weapon as a Christmas gift and ignoring warning signs as late as the day of the shooting.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the parents committed “egregious” acts and failed to stop the tragedy.

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"These charges are intended to hold the individuals who contributed to this tragedy accountable and also send the message that gun owners have a responsibility," McDonald said at a press conference.

"While the shooter was the one who entered the high school and pulled the trigger, there are other individuals who contributed to the events on November 30."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-school-shooting-15-year-old-student-ethan-crumbley-charged-as-an-adult-433393">Also read |&nbsp;Michigan school shooting: 15-year-old student, Ethan Crumbley, charged as an adult</a>

A fugitive warrant had been issued for the couple and the US Marshals had announced a reward of up to $10,000 each for information leading to the Crumbleys’ arrest.

Their 15-year-old son, Ethan Crumbley, killed four students in the hallway of Oxford High School north of Detroit and six more were wounded.

Ethan Crumbley has been charged as an adult with state murder and terror charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-we-know-about-the-michigan-high-school-shooting-433362">Also read |&nbsp;What we know about the Michigan high school shooting</a>

He was with his father at the time of the purchase at a local firearms store and the teen posted a picture of the gun on his Instagram account, writing "just got my new beauty today" along with a heart emoji. &nbsp;

Under Michigan law, the involuntary manslaughter charge filed against the parents can be pursued if authorities believe someone contributed to a situation where there was a high chance of harm or death.

However, in the US, parents are rarely charged in school shootings involving their children, even as most minors get guns from a parent or relative’s house.

(With inputs from agencies)

The parents of the alleged Michigan school shooter were taken into custody, the police confirmed on Saturday. James and Jennifer Crumbley have been charged with involuntary manslaughter for buying their son the weapon as a Christmas gift and ignoring warning signs as late as the day of the shooting.

The parents of the alleged Michigan school shooter were taken into custody, the police confirmed on Saturday. James and Jennifer Crumbley have been charged with involuntary manslaughter for buying their son the weapon as a Christmas gift and ignoring warning signs as late as the day of the shooting. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the parents committed “egregious” acts and failed to stop the tragedy. "These charges are intended to hold the individuals who contributed to this tragedy accountable and also send the message that gun owners have a responsibility," McDonald said at a press conference. "While the shooter was the one who entered the high school and pulled the trigger, there are other individuals who contributed to the events on November 30." Also read | Michigan school shooting: 15-year-old student, Ethan Crumbley, charged as an adult A fugitive warrant had been issued for the couple and the US Marshals had announced a reward of up to $10,000 each for information leading to the Crumbleys’ arrest. Their 15-year-old son, Ethan Crumbley, killed four students in the hallway of Oxford High School north of Detroit and six more were wounded. Ethan Crumbley has been charged as an adult with state murder and terror charges. Also read | What we know about the Michigan high school shooting He was with his father at the time of the purchase at a local firearms store and the teen posted a picture of the gun on his Instagram account, writing "just got my new beauty today" along with a heart emoji. Under Michigan law, the involuntary manslaughter charge filed against the parents can be pursued if authorities believe someone contributed to a situation where there was a high chance of harm or death. However, in the US, parents are rarely charged in school shootings involving their children, even as most minors get guns from a parent or relative’s house. (With inputs from agencies)

Michigan school shooting: Police takes parents of alleged shooter in custody