Judge might restrict media at Crumbley’s next hearing
Prosecution, defense to submit briefs due to possible ‘sensitive information’
The next court date for accused mass shooter Ethan Crumbley has been scheduled, but there’s a chance members of the media won’t be permitted in the courtroom for the entire proceeding.
During a status conference Wednesday, Oakland County Circuit Judge Kwame Rowe said that, due to the possibility that “sensitive information” could be discussed, the prosecution and defense teams are to submit briefs by Jan. 25 on whether or not media should be allowed throughout the in-person hearing, scheduled for Feb. 22. The hearing is to review the 15-year-old Crumbley’s placement and to determine if he’s to remain in the Oakland County Jail or be moved to the county’s juvenile facility, Children’s Village. Regular hearings of this type are required by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.
According to the statute, the hearings are to be held every 30 days, but the judge said previously that, because of recent COVID-19 infection statistics, there’s good cause to extend the deadline.
Crumbley’s court-appointed attorney, Paulette Loftin, waived the teen’s appearance at Wednesday’s status conference.
Crumbley is charged with four counts of first-degree premeditated homicide, terrorism causing death, seven counts of assault with intent to murder and 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony for the Nov. 30 shooting at Oxford High School. He’s being held without bond, reportedly isolated from adult inmates.
Crumbley, who was an Oxford High sophomore, is accused of opening fire inside the school, killing Madisyn Baldwin, 27, Tate Myre, 16, Justin Shilling, 17 and Hana St. Juliana, 14. Six other students and one teacher were wounded. All have been released from the hospital.
It’s alleged Crumbley used a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun purchased for him by his parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley of Oxford. The Crumbley parents are also held in the Oakland County Jail, charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Their bond is set at $500,000 each.
The next scheduled court appearance for the Crumbley parents is for a preliminary exam Feb. 8 before 52-3 District Judge Julie Nicholson, who will hear evidence and determine if the cases against the two proceed to Oakland County Circuit Court.
Ethan Crumbley waived his right to a preliminary exam on Jan. 7, which advanced the case to the higher court.