Lawmakers cautious in approach to Oxford High School shooting

More details are emerging about the actions taken by Oxford Community Schools officials in the days leading up to the shooting at the high school last Tuesday, killing four. In a press conference held on Friday, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald discussed several warning signs displayed by 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley.

Asked about the incident last week, State Senator Ed McBroom says he is waiting for the facts to come out before making a decision about whether there was a breakdown in the laws and policies designed to keep children safe.

Area lawmakers have long expressed an interest in improving access to mental health facilities for UP residents, especially children. McBroom says he has proposed legislation to address the issue.

In Oxford, the school called Crumbley’s parents in on the morning of the incident over concern about a drawing a teacher had seen of his. The Associated Press describes the contents.

“It includes a drawing of a handgun and the words: “The thoughts won’t stop. Help me.” Also depicted is a bullet with the words “blood everywhere” above a person who appears to have been shot twice and is bleeding. A laughing emoji is drawn below the figure. The note also says “my life is useless” and “the world is dead.””

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, the School Resource Officer assigned to Oxford High School was not present in the meeting, which occurred roughly three hours before the shooting took place. School officials are believed to have demanded that Crumbley receive mental health counseling. His parents refused to pull the sophomore out of class, and he was allowed to return to his studies. His backpack was never checked, and the nine millimeter handgun that was used in the shooting never discovered.

The night before Crumbley posted on social media his desire to open fire on his classmates. Back on November 12th the high school administration posted a notice on the school’s website addressing rumors that violence was being planned, and perhaps imminent, against students. The district’s superintendent has announced that a third party review will occur to evaluate what was done.

Crumbley’s parents are charged with involuntary manslaughter for each student killed.