In an ongoing hearing to determine the fate of the teenager responsible for the 2021 shooting at a Michigan high school, a psychologist testified on Tuesday that the shooter resembled a “feral child” due to the severe neglect he experienced from his parents during critical developmental years. The psychologist, Colin King, also presented distressing videos from the jail showing the 17-year-old in deep anguish while being restrained by deputies. One video even depicted the shooter with his head completely covered with a hood, expressing confusion as to why the tragedy occurred.
King further explained that the shooter exhibited signs of psychosis, indicating a break from reality. However, he maintained that the teenager could be rehabilitated with the proper therapy and support. King drew upon his experience working with individuals involved in homicide cases to support his assertion that progress can be made with proper treatment, as the shooter’s brain is still maturing.
The teenager, Ethan Crumbley, has already pleaded guilty to murder, terrorism, and other charges related to the shooting, in which four students were killed and seven others were injured at Oxford High School. As Crumbley was only 15 years old at the time of the incident, the judge, Kwame Rowe, must carefully consider factors such as the shooter’s maturity, mental health, and family environment, all of which were set by the U.S. Supreme Court, before determining his sentence. While a life sentence is still a possibility, it is uncommon for a teenager to receive such a severe punishment. Instead, Crumbley could face a prison term ranging from 25 to 40 years, with parole eligibility.
While the hearing is ongoing, Crumbley’s parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, also face charges of involuntary manslaughter. They are accused of purchasing the firearm used in the shooting and neglecting their son’s mental health needs. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence without the possibility of parole for Crumbley, arguing that depression alone does not lead individuals to become mass shooters.
Throughout the hearing, the prosecution has presented evidence, including journal entries and a video declaration made by the shooter the night before the incident, to emphasize the deliberate nature of his actions. In response, King defended his assessment that the shooter’s juvenile brain played a significant role in the tragedy, despite Williams’ argument that other individuals with depression do not resort to such violence. The prosecution also highlighted missed opportunities for intervention, but acknowledged that counseling was initially promised by the shooter’s parents.
The hearing is expected to conclude soon, with a decision regarding the shooter’s sentence anticipated in the coming days.
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