OXFORD TWP. (WWJ) -- Authorities say the teenager accused of killing four fellow students and injuring more students and a teacher at Oxford High School is expected to plead guilty.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reported Friday that David Williams, chief assistant prosecutor in Oakland County, said Ethan Crumbley is expected to plead guilty to all 24 charges — including four counts of murder — next week.
The 16-year-old is due in court on Monday.
In addition to the murder charges, Crumbley is charged with attempted murder and terrorism in the November 30, 2021, mass shooting at the school in Oakland County's Oxford Township. He was 15 years old at the time, and a student at the school.
His parents, in a separate case, are charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly buying him the weapon he used in the massacre, ignoring warning signs, and neglecting to keep the gun locked up.
Langton -- also WWJ's Legal Analyst -- said that Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald emphasized that this is a voluntary guilty plea.
"She's not dropping any charges, she's not modifying any charges, there's no deal as to sentencing. Nothing," Langton said. "It is a voluntary plea with no involvement by the prosecutor's office at all."
According to Langton, the expected guilty plea is likely a strategic move by the defense.
Because there is significant evidence supporting the murder charges against Crumbley -- and such a high probability that he would be convicted at trial -- the defense's focus has shifted from whether Crumbley will spend time in prison to how much time he will spend in prison.
The four counts of first-degree murder -- as well as the terrorism charge -- carry automatic life sentences without parole for adult offenders.
According to a U.S. Supreme Court decision, though, minors must have a separate hearing to determine whether a life sentence is appropriate or if there are mitigating factors that support a less severe penalty.
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By pleading guilty to all charges now, Crumbley would avoid a full trial in front of a jury and only have to face the sentencing hearing in front of a judge.
At that time, the defense would be able to introduce evidence of mitigating factors -- presumed to be Crumbley's home environment as well as the alleged actions -- and inactions -- of his parents.
It is possible the defense believes that a highly-charged, emotional trial is not in their best interest because video footage and witness testimony could potentially eliminate any remaining sympathy toward Crumbley -- making it more difficult to argue against life in prison at sentencing.
According to Langton, it is still entirely possible that Crumbley could change his mind by Monday, that he could arrive in court and decide he is not properly prepared to enter a guilty plea.
"This is a very serious charge," Langton said and reiterated the importance of Crumbley -- a minor -- completely understanding both his right to a trial and the implications of pleading guilty.
Langton does, however, believe Crumbley will plead guilty on Monday despite the severity of the charges and the potential life sentence.
Stay with WWJ for more on this breaking story.
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