Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of violence. Reader discretion is advised.
Director Shana Gagnon’s latest documentary, Oxford Strong, chronicles the Oxford High School shooting committed by Ethan Crumbley. Per IMDb, the synopsis reads, “We take an inside look at the beautiful little town of Oxford, Michigan; where a school shooting occurred on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Oxford High School. Four students with bright futures and their entire lives ahead of them, were killed and several others were seriously injured.”
CNN reported that Ethan Crumbley received life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. Ethan, then a 15-year-old student, fatally shot four students on November 30. During the incident, six other students and a teacher suffered from critical injuries.
In 2022, Ethan had pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from the case. These charges included one count of terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree murder, and 19 other charges. Then, in December 2023, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Kwamé Rowe delivered his sentence. The shooter received five separate life sentences on the counts of murder and terrorism causing death. He got additional terms on the other charges.
According to the Michigan Department of Corrections, Ethan Crumbley is serving his sentence in the Thumb Correctional Facility.
Oxford High School shooting: What did Ethan Crumbley do & when was he convicted?
The New York Times reported that surveillance showed Ethan Crumbley shooting 11 people within five minutes on November 30, 2021. He used a semiautomatic 9-millimeter Sig Sauer handgun for the crime and fired at least 30 rounds. The New York Times and CNN stated that Ethan shot a victim, 17-year-old Justin Shilling, who died the following day in a hospital, at point-blank range. Before shooting him, the attacker made Shilling get down on the knees.
Per both sources, another victim was 14-year-old Hana St. Juliana, who was a part of the school’s volleyball and basketball teams. Ethan claimed to have shot her a second time “to finish the job.” The third victim was 16-year-old linebacker and tight end, Tate Myre. He died as authorities attempted to drive him to a hospital. The fourth victim was 17-year-old high school senior Madisyn Baldwin.
The New York Times report stated that Ethan Crumbley’s shooting at Oxford High School also injured a 47-year-old teacher. Additionally, six other students between the ages of 14 and 17 suffered from grave injuries.
Sheriff’s deputies arrested the shooter in the school’s hallway and he “gave up without any problems.” Authorities then charged him in connection with the shooting. He was facing one count of terrorism causing death and four counts of first-degree murder as an adult.
According to ABC News, in October 2022, Ethan Crumbley pleaded guilty to all 24 counts stemming from the Oxford High School shooting. These charges, as previously mentioned, included four counts of first-degree murder and one count of terrorism causing death. He was 16 years old at the time.
Ethan Crumbley: What were the Oxford High School shooter’s parents convicted of?
BBC reported that Ethan Crumbley’s parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, stood separate trials in the Oxford High School shooting case. In January 2024, a jury convicted 45-year-old Jennifer of four counts of involuntary manslaughter for giving Ethan access to a gun. A second report from the outlet stated that a separate jury convicted James on the same charges in March of this year.
Prosecutors accused James and Jennifer Crumbley of being ignorant of their son Ethan’s mental health in the time leading up to the Oxford High School shooting. Prosecutors believed that Ethan’s parents were dismissive about his failing mental health despite seeing obvious signs. Moreover, they alleged that they had bought the teen the semiautomatic handgun that he used to carry out the shooting.
The duo received 10 to 15 years in prison each on Tuesday, April 9, per a third BBC report. They will become eligible for parole after 10 years and have already served over two years in custody following their arrests in the days after the incident, added CNN.
The outlet reported that Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews stated the reasons for holding James Crumbley responsible. Matthews claimed that James gave Ethan “unfettered access to a gun or guns as well as ammunition in your home.” The judge added how Jennifer Crumbley “glorified the use and possession of these weapons.”
BBC stated that on November 30, 2021, the day of the Oxford High School shooting, James and Jennifer Crumbley met at the school to discuss a few alarming signs that Ethan Crumbley had been exhibiting. The New York Times added that one of Ethan’s teachers found a drawing he made. It was the drawing of a gun and a person who had been shot. There was also a laughing emoji that said, “Blood everywhere.” A second note read, “The thoughts won’t stop. Help me.”
A Local 4 special Oxford Strong: One Year Later also covers the Oxford High School shooting. The special is currently available on YouTube.
