Life sentence sought for teen in Michigan school shooting
DETROIT — Prosecutors said they’ll seek a life sentence with no chance for parole for a 16-year-old boy who killed four fellow students at a Michigan school and pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism.
They disclosed their plans in a court filing Monday, three weeks after Ethan Crumbley, 16, withdrew a possible insanity defense and acknowledged the shooting at Oxford High School in November 2021.
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A first-degree murder conviction typically brings an automatic no-parole sentence in Michigan.
But teenagers are entitled to a hearing where their lawyer can raise immaturity, mental condition, family life and other issues while arguing for a shorter term.
Crumbley pleaded guilty to all 24 charges. The sentencing process is scheduled to start in February.
“A sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole is appropriate in this case,” Oakland County assistant prosecutor Marc Keast wrote.
Separately, the prosecutor’s office said Tuesday that Crumbley was “offered and promised nothing” for his guilty plea.
Judge Kwame Rowe will have flexibility. Under state law, possible prison terms for teens include parole eligibility after a minimum sentence of 25 years.
Defense attorney Paulette Michel Loftin said she’s disappointed but not surprised by the request for a life term. She believes Crumbley could be rehabilitated in prison.
