Trial off for Michigan gunman’s parents

DETROIT — The Michigan Supreme Court on Tuesday postponed the January trial for the parents of the teenager who killed four students at his high school, a victory for defense lawyers who argue that involuntary manslaughter charges don’t fit.

The court ordered the state appeals court to hear an appeal from James and Jennifer Crumbley.

Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 at the time, killed four students and injured six plus a teacher at Oxford High School.

He recently pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism and said James Crumbley bought the gun with the boy’s money.

The 16-year-old’s parents are accused of ignoring his mental health needs and making the gun accessible at home. Defense lawyers argue that the Crumbleys can’t be held criminally responsible for Ethan Crumbley’s independent acts.

The Supreme Court said the appeal is limited to whether there was “sufficient evidence of causation” to send the Crumbleys to trial.

Justice Richard Bernstein was the lone dissenter, saying that issue could be addressed after a trial.