US2 min(s) read
Published 15:41 07 Jan 2022 GMT
The parents of 15-year-old Michigan high school shooting suspect Ethan Crumbley are set to appear in court today to ask the judge for a reduced bond.
As reported by Fox News, James and Jennifer Crumbley will request that their $500,000 bond will be reduced to $100,000 after being unable to meet the original amount.
Their teenage son, Ethan, is accused of killing four fellow students and injuring seven more after entering Oxford High School on November 30 and opening fire at those inside. Ethan was charged as an adult with one count of terrorism, four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of assault with intent to murder, 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
As reported by CNN, following the shooting, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald revealed that James and Jennifer Crumbley would be charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter as a means of "holding the individuals who contributed to this tragedy accountable".
McDonald also added: "Gun owners have a responsibility. When they fail to uphold that responsibility, there are serious and criminal consequences."
Following the announcement of the charges, the couple missed their arraignment that was scheduled later that day.
Thanks to a police tip, Detroit Police spokesperson Rudy Harper revealed that James and Jennifer Crumbley were found on the first floor of an industrial building. Officials had found their car nearby prior to their discovery. Detroit Police Chief James White said that the couple appeared to be "hiding" in the building and that there was no evidence to suggest that they intended on being found by police.
They were arrested on manslaughter charges on December 4.
Per CNN, a teacher at the school was first alarmed by the 15-year-old's behavior on Tuesday after discovering a note on her desk that featured a sketch of a semiautomatic handgun pointing at the words: "The thoughts won't stop, help me."
James and Jennifer Crumbley were "immediately summoned" to the school.
McDonald told reporters: "At the meeting, James and Jennifer Crumbley were shown the drawing and were advised that they were required to get the — their son into counseling within 48 hours."
She then added that the parents "failed to ask their son if he had his gun with him or where his gun was located and failed to inspect his backpack for the presence of the gun which he had with him."
Fox2 also reports that the couple's son, Ethan, is also scheduled to be in court on Friday.
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