BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio — In 2021, 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley shot and killed four students at Oxford High School in Michigan. He used a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, bought by his parents.
On Tuesday, Jennifer Crumbley — Ethan's mother — was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the case. Doug Murrillo, a firearms instructor with Action Defense in Broadview Heights, says she knew her son had mental issues
"A 15-year-old that has known issues? Kind of a red flag," Murrillo said.
Another red flag? A 15-year-old cannot buy a gun, with the minimum age being 21 under federal law. The weapon used in the school shooting was registered to the parents, and they did not have it secured.
"It's 100% their responsibility to make sure that it was away from authorized use," Murrillo stated.
These facts are important, as Murillo often tells his class at Great American Shooting in North Canton. Prosecutors agree that Jennifer Crumbley had a duty under state law to prevent her son from harming others, and besides being accused of failing to secure the weapon and ammunition at home she was also charged with failing to get help to support Ethan's mental health.
For Murrillo, the jury made the right decision based on gun ownership and responsibility
"Because now it's putting that onus back on the parents, saying, 'Hey, we need to be responsible for our kids' actions and, at the same time, making sure we are doing the right thing by securing firearms.'"
Jennifer's husband, James Crumbley, faces the exact same charges. He's set to go on trial in March.