A judge in Pontiac, Michigan has imposed restrictions on the use of a phone and tablet by the father of the Michigan school shooter. The father, James Crumbley, is currently on trial for involuntary manslaughter in connection with the tragic deaths of four students at Oxford High School in 2021, caused by his son Ethan Crumbley.
Authorities revealed that James Crumbley made 'threatening statements' from jail using the phone and tablet, leading to the restrictions being put in place. The specifics of the threats were not disclosed by the sheriff's office.
During a court session, Judge Cheryl Matthews indicated that she would sign an order, agreed upon by Crumbley's attorney and the prosecutor's office, to limit his phone and tablet usage. The judge emphasized the desire to avoid a public airing of the matter, suggesting that it could lead to negative publicity for Crumbley.
The judge's order now permits Crumbley to use a phone or tablet solely for communication with his lawyer or clergy. Additionally, a gag order in the case prevents attorneys from speaking to reporters.
Meanwhile, trial testimony is set to resume on Friday. Although James Crumbley is not accused of prior knowledge of his son's intentions, prosecutors argue that his negligence played a role in the tragic events at Oxford High School. They claim that Crumbley failed to secure the gun at home and overlooked his son's mental distress.
Notably, Ethan Crumbley, now 17 years old, has been sentenced to life in prison for charges of murder and terrorism. His mother, Jennifer Crumbley, was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter charges last month.
