The parents of the alleged Michigan school shooter have been taken into custody, authorities said.
In a press conference on early Saturday morning, James E. White, Chief of Detroit Police Department confirmed that the Department has arrested James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of alleged Oxford shooter Ethan Crumbley, 15, on the city’s east side.
Authorities had been searching for the couple since Friday afternoon. Late Friday, U.S. Marshals announced a reward of up to $10,000 each for information leading to their arrests.
“Yes, they are both in custody and will be on the way to the Oakland County Jail soon,” said Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe. “Kudos to Detroit PD and all the other agencies that assisted.”
Police arrived at the scene, in the area of the 1100 block of Bellevue near E. Lafayette, about 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m., Detroit Police Chief James White told reporters about 3 a.m. Saturday morning.
It’s believed the Crumbleys — facing charges of involuntary manslaughter connected to the Oxford High School mass shooting in which their son is accused — were let into a commercial building by someone, White said.
Police know who that someone is and those who aided the couple could face criminal charges, White said.
The Crumbleys were found hiding inside and were “distressed” White said. They were unarmed.
He said security video had helped officers by revealing one of the Crumbleys entering the building.
A Detroit business owner spotted a car tied to the Crumbleys in his parking lot late Friday, Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe said in a statement. A woman seen near the vehicle ran away when the business owner called 911, McCabe said. The couple was later located and arrested by Detroit police.
James and Jennifer Crumbley have been charged with involuntary manslaughter for buying their son the weapon as a Christmas gift and ignoring warning signs as late as the day of the shooting.
A fugitive warrant had been issued for the couple and the US Marshals had announced a reward of up to $10,000 each for information leading to the Crumbleys’ arrest.
Their 15-year-old son, Ethan Crumbley, killed four students in the hallway of Oxford High School north of Detroit and six more were wounded.
Their son, Ethan Crumbley, is charged with terrorism and first-degree murder in the case.
Ethan Crumbley was with his father at the time of the purchase at a local firearms store and the teen posted a picture of the gun on his Instagram account, writing “just got my new beauty today” along with a heart emoji.
Under Michigan law, the involuntary manslaughter charge filed against the parents can be pursued if authorities believe someone contributed to a situation where there was a high chance of harm or death.
However, in the US, parents are rarely charged in school shootings involving their children, even as most minors get guns from a parent or relative’s house.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter released the following statement after Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced murder and terrorism charges against the suspect in the Oxford High School shootings:”
“I fully support the charges brought today by Prosecutor Karen McDonald. The safety of our county requires the most serious response and I hope the beginning of this legal process offers the families of the victims and the school community some small measure of comfort.”
(With inputs from agencies)
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