School at risk of prosecution over shooting

Lawyers claim staff missed red flags that could have prevented 15-year-old from killing four pupils

PROSECUTORS have refused to rule out pursuing criminal charges against a school in Michigan where four pupils died in a killing spree last week.

The parents of 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley have already been arrested in what could become a landmark case that will widen the scope of responsibility for such incidents.

Karen Mcdonald, Oakland County prosecutor, said two “red flags” were missed at Oxford High School which could have prevented Ethan’s violent rampage last week.

The teenager has been charged with one count of terrorism, four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of assault with intent to murder, and 12 counts of possession of a firearm while committing a felony.

His parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are in custody after being charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter.

They are alleged to have bought their son the gun as a Christmas present and then ignored warning signs that he was ready to use the weapon. The couple, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Ms Mcdonald highlighted several warning signs, including internet searches for ammunition on the teenager’s mobile phone and a drawing showing a bullet with the words “blood everywhere”. Ms Mcdonald said he should not have been allowed back into the classroom after the discoveries.

Asked if school officials could be charged, she replied: “The investigation’s ongoing.”

The willingness of the authorities to prosecute parents and even education administrators comes against a backdrop of 222 gun incidents in schools this year – a new all-time high.

“This shooting has to be looked at in its historical context,” said Prof James Densley, of Metropolitan State University in Minnesota.

“At Columbine the school saw the warning signs but never put the pieces together. What was consistent is people didn’t know what to do. Unfortunately, things fall through the cracks.

“The prosecution feel they can make this particular shooting a landmark. This could be the case where we make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“I am sympathetic to counsellors and administrators. It looks as if they tried to intervene.

“They brought the parents in and told them what they thought about the writings and the parents failed to act.”

Tim Throne, Oxford community schools superintendent, said the events surrounding the shooting will be subject to a “full and transparent” independent investigation.

Meanwhile Republican Thomas Massie has come under attack for tweeting a picture of his family brandishing guns in front of a Christmas tree.

The Kentucky congressman captioned the photo: “Merry Christmas! PS Santa, please bring ammo.” Fellow Republican, Adam Kinzinger, said: “This isn’t supporting the right to keep and bear arms – this is a gun fetish.”