OXFORD TWP. (WWJ) -- The teenager charged in the deadly mass shooting at Oakland County's Oxford High School will plead insanity, according to a court filing.
Lawyers representing accused shooter Ethan Crumbley have filed notice in Oakland County Circuit Court that they plan to argue the teen was insane at the time of the shooting on in November.
The one-page document filed by attorneys Paula Loftin and Amy Hopp states that the 15-year-old defendant intends to assert the defense of insanity, and gives notice of his intention to claim such a defense.
In a separate court filing obtained by WWJ, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald stated her intent to rebuke the insanity defense.
In the filing, McDonald also noted her intent to call additional witnesses, including those who interacted with Crumbley at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry, where the teen was found to be competent for trial.
While legal experts say the bar for the insanity defense is extremely high and difficult to meet, Crumbley's lawyers apparently believe he has a chance.
Crumbley is accused of bringing a handgun his parents bought for him to his Oxford Township school on Nov. 30, 2021, and opening on classmates in a hallway. Four students were killed, and six students and a teacher were wounded.
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On Jan. 12, Crumbley pleaded not guilty after earlier waiving his right to a preliminary hearing in the case.
He is charged as an adult with terrorism, first degree murder, assault and gun charges, and remains held withhold bond in the Oakland County Jail.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 for the very latest on this developing story.
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