In a gripping testimony on Friday, teenager Heidi Allen recounted the harrowing moments during the school shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, where she helped save a severely wounded girl. Allen described how she moved the injured girl to an empty classroom, applied pressure to stop the bleeding, and comforted her with prayers. She testified at a hearing to determine the fate of the shooter, 17-year-old Ethan Crumbley, who stands accused of killing four students and injuring seven others. If Crumbley does not receive a life sentence, he could face a minimum prison term of 25 to 40 years before becoming eligible for parole.

Allen vividly recalled recognizing Crumbley as he exited a bathroom brandishing a gun. She described the moment everything seemed to slow down as she took cover and heard the gunshots. While Allen remained unharmed, she took the wounded girl into a classroom, secured the door with a portable lock, and applied pressure to her wounds. Despite the chaos, Allen reassured the girl that she would be okay, providing comfort and support during the traumatic event.

During the hearing, defense attorneys argued that Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, could be rehabilitated in prison and eventually released. They highlighted his turbulent family life, neglected mental health needs, and the potential for change through various programs available in prison, such as mental health therapy, anger management, education, and trade skills. Former warden Ken Romanowski testified about these programs, emphasizing that Crumbley's choice to change would be crucial.

Psychiatrist Dr. Fariha Qadir, who has interacted with Crumbley more than 100 times while he was in jail, revealed that the shooter discussed depression, hallucinations, and hearing voices during their initial meeting. Dr. Qadir prescribed medication to address his mental health issues. The defense team's argument for rehabilitation and eventual release rests on the belief that Crumbley's age and untreated mental illness contributed to his actions.

In a separate case, Crumbley's parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, face charges of involuntary manslaughter for allegedly buying the gun used in the shooting and neglecting their son's mental health needs. The parents have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.

Throughout the hearing, witnesses provided emotional testimonies about their experiences during the shooting. Assistant Principal Kristy Gibson-Marshall tearfully described her attempts to revive student Tate Myre, whom she had known since he was three years old. Despite her efforts, Myre did not survive, leaving a lasting impact on Gibson-Marshall. Another student, Keegan Gregory, recounted how he hid in a bathroom with a fellow student, Justin Shilling, who was killed by the shooter. Gregory managed to escape by seizing an opportunity to run. He described the fear he felt and the tattoo he later obtained to honor the victims.

The hearing will resume on Tuesday, with more witnesses expected to testify. The tragic events at Oxford High School have sparked discussions about gun control, school safety, and parental responsibility. The outcome of this hearing will not only determine Crumbley's sentence but also shed light on the broader issues surrounding juvenile defendants in cases of mass violence.