Michigan Teenager Charged in Oxford High School Shooting

The Michigan teenager accused of killing four students and injuring six others at Oxford High School in Oxford Township, Mich., on Tuesday will be charged as an adult, according to national news sources. Ethan Crumbley, 15, faces two dozen charges including murder, attempted murder and terrorism. The motive for the attack has not yet surfaced, but prosecutor Karen McDonald said that there is a “mountain of digital evidence” suggesting that the shooting was premeditated.

McDonald also suggested that the teenage suspect’s parents would be charged in connection with the event. The Washington Post reports that Crumbley’s father purchased the semiautomatic handgun used in the shooting on Friday, Nov. 26, just four days before the attack. The details of how the teenager obtained the weapon are not yet clear, but McDonald stressed the importance of responsible gun ownership, especially around minors.

“Owning a gun means securing it properly and locking it and keeping the ammunition separate. Those who do not do that should and will be held accountable,” said McDonald. “We have to do better. How many times does this have to happen? How many times?”

The Associated Press reports that Crumbley’s parents were called into the school on Tuesday, Nov. 30, just hours before the attack took place. Sheriff Mike Bouchard told parents the meeting was in reference to “behavior in the classroom that was concerning.”

Lt. Tim Willis of the sheriff’s office also said that investigators uncovered a video that Crumbley had recorded the night before “in which he discussed killing students.”

“This was not just an impulsive act,” said McDonald.

Oxford High School, located about 30 miles north of Detroit, Mich., is closed for the remainder of the week. Other districts around the metropolitan area either cancelled classes or increased police presence on campus in response to threats circulating on social media.

Crumbley was arraigned in district court on Wednesday afternoon, where he was charged with one count of terrorism causing death; four counts of first-degree murder; seven counts of assault with intent to murder; and 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The teenager attended the arraignment via video from a juvenile detention center and remained silent. District Court Judge Nancy Carniak entered a plea of not guilty to all charges on Crumbley’s behalf. The teen was denied bond.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning and Campus Security and Life Safety. He can be reached at [email protected]

Featured

  • Black Hills State University Takes an Open, Scalable Approach to Video Security

    Black Hills State University recognized the need for a centralized video system to improve campus security and streamline operations. The university sought a solution that could unify its main campus with a satellite location, enable cross-department access, and scale with future growth. By implementing open platform video technology, BHSU laid the foundation for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable security infrastructure. Read Now

  • Pennsylvania School Uses Locked, Rolling Security Grille to Control Spectators, Secure Building

    St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic elementary school that serves students from Pre-K through grade 8. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Jude offers diverse educational programs designed to foster a nurturing and challenging learning environment, and extracurricular activities like sports are an integral part of promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Read Now

  • Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies Modernize Academic and Social Hub

    In spring 2023, the University of Pittsburgh opened the doors to a seven-story west wing addition to Alan Magee Scaife Hall. The medical school building features several updated lecture halls, labs and classrooms. It also includes team-based learning and small group rooms as well as an entire floor dedicated to medical students. This floor is meant for students to congregate, study and build community. Read Now

  • Access Control Trends Continue to Strengthen School Safety Security

    Class period bells have been ringing across campuses for a few months now, but that doesn’t mean the subject of safety was fully settled before the start of the new school year. As one wise person once said, “It’s a journey, not a destination”. That’s why it remains a leading issue among administrators, faculty, students, and communities. Schools are striving to be at the top of their class when it comes to the ability to control access instantly and securely, monitor suspicious behavior accurately and consistently, and respond to threats immediately and effectively. Ultimately, they aim to provide a reassuring, comfortable, and conducive environment for a rich learning experience. These goals apply whether at a community college in Southern California, a major university in Pennsylvania, or a rural K-12 district in Michigan. Read Now

Webinars