WATCH: Trial underway for Jennifer Crumbley, mother of Oxford High School shooter
PONTIAC (WWJ) - The historic trial of Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the Oxford High School shooter, resumes with both sides delivering opening statements on Thursday morning.
The case is unprecedented, experts say, as Jennifer and her husband James are the first parents in the United States to face charges in connection to a mass shooting committed by their child.
The trial is commencing more than two years after her son, Ethan Crumbley, confessed to the mass shooting that killed four students and wounded seven other people in Nov. 2021.
Jury selection for Jennifer's trial begin Tuesday and wrapped up Wednesday.
"The 10 women and seven men will hear the evidence in Jennifer Crumbley's manslaughter trial," WWJ Legal Analyst said from the Oakland County courtroom. "Most of the jurors have children, most gun owners and hunters and all knew something about the Oxford High school shooting."
Jennifer and James Crumbley are both charged with involuntary manslaughter. If they are convicted, they face up to 15 years in prison.
Opening statements from the defense and the prosecution began at 8:30 a.m.
"[Oakland County[ Prosecutor Karen McDonald will go first and she'll have to convince the jury that Jennifer Crumbley ignored the warning signs and bought a gun for Ethan," Langton explained. "The defense attorney, Shannon Smith, will argue that the son is the killer and that the parents had nothing to do with the crime."
The Crumbleys requested separate trials in November. The request came after evidence was received that could cause a "conflict of interest" if they were tried together.
Ethan Crumbley was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
James Crumbley's trial is scheduled to begin March 5.
To watch the People v. Crumbley LIVE on Zoom, click here.
This is a developing news story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates as they become available. >> LISTEN LIVE!
