In a highly anticipated hearing on Friday, the 17-year-old Ethan Crumbley, who committed a devastating school shooting in 2021 that claimed the lives of four of his classmates, is set to learn his fate. Crumbley, who opened fire at Oxford High School in Oxford when he was just 15 years old, pleaded guilty to the murders of Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling, as well as the injury of seven others. Although he was convicted of first-degree murder, Crumbley's age led to a separate hearing to determine whether he would be eligible for life without parole.

Oakland County Judge Kwame Rowe, after observing Crumbley's behavior and evaluating his potential for rehabilitation, determined that the teenager did not show signs of remorse or rehabilitation and that his crimes did not bear the "hallmarks of youth." As a result, Rowe has the authority to sentence Crumbley to life without the possibility of parole, or a minimum term of 25 to 40 years in prison, due to the fact that Crumbley was under 18 at the time of the offenses.

The hearing, which is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. ET in Pontiac, is expected to be an emotional affair filled with victim impact statements. Friends and family members of the deceased will have the opportunity to share their experiences and the profound loss they have endured. The testimonials will undoubtedly paint a picture of the lives extinguished too soon and the lasting impact of Crumbley's horrific actions.

This tragic case has also brought attention to the role of Crumbley's parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, in enabling their son's violent act. The couple stands accused of buying the handgun used in the shooting and ignoring their son's mental health needs. They are separately charged with involuntary manslaughter. Originally, they were set to stand trial together, but their requests for separate trials have been granted, further delaying the proceedings.

Jennifer Crumbley's defense team has recently filed a motion to exclude evidence of her son's alleged abuse of baby birds from her criminal trial. The motion argues that the graphic nature of the evidence would inflame the passions of the jury and unfairly prejudice Jennifer. The prosecution and attorneys representing the shooting victims, however, have argued that the evidence is relevant to understand the family dynamic and potentially shed light on the parents' knowledge of their son's disturbing behavior.

Prosecutors have revealed that in May 2021, several months before the shooting, Ethan recorded himself torturing and killing animals, including a bird. It was alleged that he severed the bird's head and kept it in a jar. Additionally, he brought a severed bird's head to school in a jar just two weeks before the shooting. County prosecutors further claimed that Ethan expressed “delight” in killing a family of baby birds and found “joy” in their suffering.

While the court has yet to make a ruling on the admissibility of the bird evidence in Jennifer Crumbley's trial, her defense argues that there is no evidence suggesting her or her husband's awareness of their son's crimes against animals. They claim that the evidence should be deemed irrelevant and prejudicial unless it directly connects to the shooting itself.

It is important to note that James and Jennifer Crumbley also face charges related to the firearm. They allegedly purchased the gun for their son and were present in Oxford on the day of the shooting. Despite concerns raised by the school counselor's office about Ethan's disturbing drawings in class, the parents refused to take their son home that day. These actions have further raised questions about their culpability in enabling the tragedy.

As the community waits for the judge's decision on Ethan Crumbley's sentencing, the gravity of the situation and the pain inflicted on the victims' families remains palpable. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly shape the conversation surrounding school shootings and the responsibility of parents in preventing such tragedies.