In a landmark case that has captivated the nation, James Crumbley, the father of the Oxford High School shooter, has been found guilty of all four counts of involuntary manslaughter by a jury in Pontiac, Michigan. This verdict comes after a nearly week-long trial that aimed to determine whether the father held any responsibility for the tragic shooting that took the lives of four students and injured seven others on Nov. 30, 2021.

Prosecutors argued that James Crumbley's gross negligence, including not safely storing the gun used in the shooting away from his son and failing to get him the necessary mental health help, played a causal role in the deaths of the four students. The defense, led by attorney Mariell Lehman, contended that Crumbley was not aware that his son had access to the gun or was planning to carry out the shooting.

During the trial, several witnesses, including a teacher who was injured in the shooting, the shooter's school counselor, and detectives who responded to the scene, testified about the events leading up to and following the tragic incident. The prosecution highlighted the missed opportunities where the parents could have intervened and prevented the shooting, emphasizing that the deaths were preventable and foreseeable if Crumbley had taken simple actions to secure the gun and ensure his son received the necessary help.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald praised the jury for reaching a fair and just verdict, acknowledging the emotional toll the trial took on all involved. She emphasized that the case was not about guns or parental responsibility but about holding individuals accountable for their actions.

James Crumbley now faces up to 15 years in prison for each count of involuntary manslaughter, joining his wife, Jennifer Crumbley, who was found guilty on the same charges last month. The couple's son, Ethan, who carried out the shooting, has already been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

As the Oxford community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, Sheriff Mike Bouchard expressed hope for more peaceful moments ahead and emphasized the need for accountability in cases of this nature. The verdict represents a significant step towards justice for the victims' families and the community, but the fight for accountability continues as civil lawsuits against Oxford Community Schools and various employees are pending in higher courts.