What were Ethan Crumbley’s Instagram posts?
Ethan Crumbley pleaded guilty to all 24 charges against him, including four counts of first-degree murder, on October 24, 2022.
On Friday, December 8, 2023, Ethan Crumbley was formally sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole.
The 16-year-old’s behavior and concerning social media posts seemed to predict his upcoming crimes.
What did Ethan Crumbley do?
On December 1, 2021, Oakland County Prosecutor, Karen McDonald, revealed that Ethan Crumbley would be charged as an adult.
His charges include:
- one count of terrorism causing death
- seven counts of assault with intent to murder
- 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony
- four counts of first-degree murder
On October 24, 2022, Crumbley pleaded guilty in court in order to avoid trial. The news came after he allegedly opened fire at Oxford High School in Michigan, about 40 miles from Detroit on Tuesday.
He was armed with a 9MM semi-automatic handgun, which he fired around 15-20 shots in the school building and acted alone. Investigation shows the gun belonged to Crumbley’s father and was purchased in November.
Crumbley’s hearing began on July 27, 2023, at the Oakland County Circuit Court.
On Friday, September 29, 2023, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Kwamé Rowe determined that Crumbley was eligible for life imprisonment without parole.
Rowe said he considered the teen’s behavior ahead of the mass shooting, and during his time in custody, before making the decision.
It is the harshest possible punishment in Michigan.
At the teenager’s formal sentencing on Friday, December 8, 2023, Crumbley was officially sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole.
What were Crumbley’s social media posts?
Police said that Crumbley allegedly filmed himself talking about killing students the night before the shooting.
A series of concerning posts by the suspect were posted on Instagram days before the massacre.
One of the captions appears to say: “Just got my new beauty today.”
The picture is referring to a 9MM semi-automatic handgun, the same one allegedly used during the shooting.
While another post read: “See you tomorrow, Oxford” with a mention to death and “the destroyer of worlds.”
Motives for the shooting are unclear, as the suspect is unwilling to speak to authorities, according to investigators.
Where are Crumbley’s parents?
According to , Prosecutor McDonald “revealed Friday that the parents of the suspected Oxford High School shooter were aware their son had access to an unsecured weapon in their home.”
James and Jennifer Crumbley were called to the school hours before the shooting due to a drawing their son had made of a handgun pointing at the words “the thoughts won’t stop, help me.”
Crumbley’s parents have been arrested after being found hiding, unarmed, in the basement of a warehouse in Detroit.
They failed to show up to court after being charged with four counts each of involuntary manslaughter.
McDonald said at a press conference that she “expect[s] parents and everyone to have humanity and to step in and stop a potential tragedy.”
Crumbley’s parents have remained jailed since their arrest days after the shooting and their trial – which was scheduled to begin on January 17, 2023 – has been delayed indefinitely due to an appeal.