A Michigan judge handed down multiple life sentences without parole to school shooter Ethan Crumbley on Friday.
The sentencing followed an emotional court hearing where survivors shared their traumas caused by the 15-year-old who, on Nov. 30, 2021, killed four people and injured seven at Oxford High School.
Crumbley, who pleaded guilty to all charges, expressed remorse during the hearing, stating, “Any sentence that they ask for, I ask that you impose it on me.” He emphasized his desire for the victims to find happiness, security, and peace.
A total of 29 individuals, including parents of victims and school staff, provided victim statements during the hearing.
Buck Myre, whose son Tate lost his life in the shooting, shared the profound impact on their family: “Our family has been navigating our way through complete hell… constant reminders every day. Every hour is the darkest time of the day.”
Buck Myre, expressing the ongoing agony of losing his son Tate, stated, “We are miserable. We miss Tate. Our family has a permanent hole in it that can never be fixed.” The emotional sentiment highlighted the profound impact of the tragedy on the Myre family.
During the hearing, each victim, when given the chance, advocated for Crumbley to receive a life sentence without parole. Tate Myre’s brother, Trent Myre, characterized Crumbley as a coward who selfishly took four lives, asserting, “He should never have the opportunity to see the light again. He waived his right and opportunity when he took the lives away of those four beautiful souls.”
Survivors, grappling with guilt over the lives lost and persistently battling the fear of potential future danger, conveyed the ongoing emotional turmoil caused by the horrific event.
Survivor Kylie Ossege reflected on the profound impact of the tragedy, expressing, “My life has changed its path entirely. However, your honor, I refuse to let the cowardly acts of a person impact the rest of my life.
No one will ever take my happiness away from me because I am the strongest person I know.” Ossege’s resilience and determination to reclaim her happiness were evident in her powerful statement.
In a plea for leniency, Crumbley’s attorney and guardian argued for the possibility of parole, emphasizing his alleged transformation since the 2021 shooting.
Crumbley himself acknowledged his past actions, stating, “I am a really bad person. I have done terrible things that no one should ever do. I have lied, been not trustworthy, I’ve hurt many people. I’m not denying it.
That’s not who I plan on being. I do plan to be better. I don’t know if you’ll believe that.” The acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a desire for personal growth formed a part of Crumbley’s defense.
Ethan Crumbley’s parents faced charges of involuntary manslaughter for their alleged negligent handling of firearms leading to the school shooting.
After initially fleeing the state, they were apprehended. Despite appealing their charges, their appeal was denied. The parents are scheduled to face trial, which is set to commence on January 23.
