In a groundbreaking decision, Jennifer Crumbley, the Michigan woman charged in connection with her son's deadly school shooting rampage in 2021, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday. The verdict was unanimous and came after two days of jury deliberations in a landmark trial that raised a unique question: Can the parent of a child who commits a mass shooting be held criminally responsible?

Crumbley, 45, faced four counts of involuntary manslaughter, one for each of the victims in the attack at Oxford High School in November 2021. Her son, Ethan, who is now 17, had previously pleaded guilty as an adult to murder, terrorism, and other crimes, receiving a sentence of life in prison without parole in December. Now, Jennifer Crumbley faces a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison per count and is currently being held on bond. Her sentencing is scheduled for April 9.

The trial, which began on January 25 in an Oakland County courtroom, delved into themes of responsible parenting and gun safety. It comes at a critical moment in the United States, as communities across the country, such as Uvalde, Texas; Nashville; and Perry, Iowa, grapple with the devastating impact of school shootings. The case has sparked a national conversation about the extent to which parents should be held accountable for their child's actions.

During the trial, the jury examined over 400 pieces of evidence, including text messages and photos retrieved from Jennifer Crumbley's cellphone. They also watched harrowing video footage of the shooting spree, which left many in the courtroom visibly shaken. The prosecution presented more than 20 witnesses, including law enforcement officials and school staff, while the defense only called one witness: the defendant herself.

The prosecution aimed to portray Crumbley as a neglectful mother, highlighting her alleged prioritization of hobbies and an extramarital affair over spending time with her son. Additionally, they pointed out that she and her husband had gifted their son a semi-automatic handgun in the days leading up to the shooting, but failed to properly store it. On the same day as the shooting, when the Crumbleys were summoned to the school due to a disturbing drawing of a gun made by their son, they neglected to inform school officials about his access to a weapon or take him home.

As the trial unfolded, it sparked a larger discussion about gun control and responsible firearm ownership. The case highlighted the need for stricter regulations surrounding access to firearms, particularly in households with potentially troubled individuals. Many advocates argue that parents should bear some responsibility for ensuring the safety of their children and others, especially when it comes to deadly weapons.

The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have significant implications for future cases involving parents' accountability in their child's criminal actions. As communities across the nation continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of school shootings, the debate surrounding parental responsibility and gun safety will remain at the forefront of public discourse.