The Michigan Supreme Court denied an appeal, affirming the decision for the parents of the teen who shot four students at Oxford High School to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter. The parents are accused of providing the suspect access to a gun and neglecting his mental health. The decision to proceed with the trial was based on a state appeals court verdict earlier this year.
The tragic event took place in November 2021, approximately 40 miles north of Detroit. Four students lost their lives, while six students and a teacher were injured. The suspect, who was 15 years old during the incident, admitted to charges of terrorism and murder. He could potentially face a life sentence without parole.
Despite acknowledging some errors in judgment, the defense for the parents maintains that the tragedy couldn’t have been predicted. The day of the shooting, the suspect and his parents had a meeting with school authorities due to concerns over violent drawings. However, his backpack wasn’t checked for a weapon, and he remained at school.
The sentencing for the young suspect is set for Dec. 8, and the judge has the discretion to issue a sentence that might allow for parole in the future. Following the incident, the parents were detained and have remained in custody, unable to post a $500,000 bond. They are incarcerated in the same facility as their son, though they have no contact with him.
A psychologist, Colin King, described the teen as somewhat neglected by his parents. However, Judge Kwamé Rowe mentioned that while the suspect’s household situation had its challenges, he seemed to come from a generally supportive family environment.
