PONTIAC (WWJ) -- Two weeks before the scheduled start of his involuntary manslaughter trial, the father of the convicted Oxford High School mass shooter was back in court.
In a pre-trial hearing in Oakland County Circuit Court, James Crumbley's attorney, Mariell Lehman, filed a motion in an attempt to block two former Oxford students from testifying.
"The primary purpose of their testimony is to inflame the emotions of the jury," Lehman said. "Whatever they can provide can also be provided in a video. Even if the court finds it relevant, it's highly and highly unfairly prejudicial in this case."
Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews is taking the request under advisement, in addition to a request by the defense to have the shooter, Ethan Crumbley's journal barred from evidence.
Judge Matthews has also yet to rule on a requested change of venue in the case, filed by James Crumbley, in which the defendant claims he cannot get a fair trial in Oakland County,
"James Crumbley's attorney wanted to trial moved out of Oakland County — a change of venue, is what they call it — because of the pre-trial publicity because of his wife's trial," WWJ Legal Analyst Langton said. "But no ruling was made today on that issue. In fact, no discussion was made."
Langton said Matthews will likely issue a written opinion on that matter sometime soon.
Meanwhile, the Macomb Daily reported Wednesday that the judge did rule she will allow the prior owner of the murder weapon, a 9mm handgun, to take the stand.
James Crumbley is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; and Justin Shilling, 17, on Nov. 30, 2021.
Prosecutors are seeking to prove that James Crumbley bought the gun for his child as a Christmas gift and failed to keep it locked up, while ignoring the teen's mental health struggles and requests for help.
Jury selection in James Crumbley's trial is scheduled to begin March 5.
His wife, Jennifer Crumbley, was convicted on four counts of involuntary manslaughter in a separate trial. She awaits sentencing, and could serve up to 15 years in prison.
Ethan Crumbley, now 17 years old, is serving a no-parole life sentence after pleading guilty to first degree murder, terrorism and other charges.
