Investigation finds a threat assessment should have been done before the Oxford High School shooting

Oxford High School in Michigan failed to conduct a threat assessment regarding Ethan Crumbley’s alarming behavior before a shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of four students and the injury of others, according to an extensive investigation.

The investigation, which can be accessed through this more than 500-page report, highlighted Crumbley’s actions such as viewing bullets, watching violent videos during class on his cellphone, and writing disturbing statements like “blood everywhere.” These behaviors indicated a potential inclination towards homicide rather than suicide, as stated in the report released just a month before the two-year anniversary of the November 30, 2021 shooting.

At the age of 17, Crumbley pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and terrorism charges a year ago. His sentencing is scheduled for December 8 in Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac.

On the day of the shooting, the school received a report of violent drawings from a teacher. However, the staff neglected to check Crumbley’s backpack and allowed him to remain. The firearm used in the shooting had been concealed in his backpack.

Additionally, Crumbley maintained a journal where he expressed his desire to watch students suffer and predicted a lifetime spent in prison. He even recorded a video on his phone prior to the shooting, outlining his plans for the next day.

The independent investigation initiated by the Oxford Community Schools Board examined the events leading up to the shooting, the day itself, and its aftermath. The report clarifies that neither the school board nor the school district were actively involved in the investigation.

The victims of the shooting at Oxford High, located approximately 40 miles north of Detroit, were Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling. Additionally, six students and a teacher sustained injuries, as mentioned in this news article.

The report states, “Our review confirmed that there were breakdowns in implementation and execution of the district’s threat assessment and suicide intervention policies and guidelines. Missteps at every level throughout the district, from the board and superintendent to the OHS administration and staff, resulted in a situation where a student’s communication and behavior should have necessitated a threat assessment and suicide intervention on November 30, but did not.”

It further emphasizes, “None of these mistakes were intentional, but they were nevertheless costly.” The report also highlights that following the meeting between the school officials and the Crumbley family on the day of the shooting, the school should have sent the teenager home with his parents.

James and Jennifer Crumbley, Ethan’s parents, face involuntary manslaughter charges for failing to secure their gun and neglecting their son’s mental health.

Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 years old at the time of the shooting. The judge retains the discretion to choose a shorter sentence ranging from 25 to 40 years.