James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of Michigan shooting suspect Ethan Crumbley appeared in court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing. The parents are facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter, each in connection to their son’s first-degree murder case. After being taken into custody, they were held on a $500,000 bond each.
During a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, the teary-eyed father, James Crumbley, could be heard mouthing “I love you” to his wife Jennifer, as the couple will remain detained while attorneys review a “staggering” amount of evidence.
In order to reduce the bond, the couple’s attorneys are expected to file a motion in seven days. The couple’s appearance in court on Tuesday is their first since they pleaded not guilty to the charges during a virtual arraignment before a judge.
James and his wife are being held separately from each other and their 15-year-old son Ethan. Before holding a “probable cause” hearing, prosecutors said they still “have a lot of work to do” to determine if the case will move ahead, according to The Post.
The Crumbleys appeared in shackles as they were led into the courtroom, with James in black prison garb and Jennifer wearing maroon. With their masks on, the couple did not speak — other than to answer “Yes, your honor” twice when questioned by Oakland County Judge Julie Nicholson.
The case was adjourned until February 8.
Fifteen-year-old Ethan Crumbley, who also has a court-appointed lawyer, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, terrorism, and assault with intent to commit murder in the November 30 deadly shooting at Oxford High School.
As a result of the shooting, four students died, and seven others were injured before Ethan was arrested.
