The Significance of the Sentence Handed to Ethan Crumbley, the Michigan School Shooter
Michigan school shooter, Ethan Crumbley, receives a groundbreaking sentence after the deadliest school shooting in the state's history As the judge weighs rehabilitation prospects, the case sparks a debate on banning severe penalties for minors
More than two years after the deadliest school shooting in Michigan, a judge has handed down a historic and maximum penalty for the teenage gunman. Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Kwamé Rowe sentenced 17-year-old Ethan Crumbley to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the November 2021 shooting at Oxford High School, which resulted in the death of four students and injuries to six others students and a teacher.
The sentencing of minors to life without parole has become a rare and contentious punishment, especially given concerns about imposing such a sentence before a young person reaches full maturity.
Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, was the first minor to receive an original sentence of life without the possibility of parole in over a decade, following the US Supreme Court's 2012 decision to ban mandatory life sentences for juveniles. The ruling indicated that courts should take into consideration the circumstances of each defendant and their level of maturity before imposing such punishments.
Before delivering the sentence, Rowe addressed the families of the victims present in court, acknowledging that no amount of punishment could undo their suffering. He expressed the hope that the sentence would provide a sense of closure for them. Despite last-minute pleas from the attorney representing Crumbley, the judge emphasized that the defendant had taken responsibility for his actions, stating, "This is nobody's fault but his own."
Judge considered likelihood of rehabilitation
Rowe, who was nominated to the Oakland County 6th Circuit Court by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the second Black man to sit on the Sixth Circuit bench, as reported on the county's website.
Rowe's decision to grant Crumbley life in prison without the chance of parole made waves in September. Taking into account the teen's conduct leading up to the mass shooting and while in custody was a key factor, according to Rowe.
Shooters sentence came as state considers banning such punishments for minors
The court found it evident that the defendant had a fixation on violence prior to the shooting," Rowe stated, referencing Crumbley's unsettling writings and documented acts of violence against animals prior to the assault. Rowe also mentioned that Crumbley's likelihood of rehabilitation in prison is low due to his "obsession" with violence.
In 2012, the US Supreme Court made a ruling stating that it was unconstitutional to sentence minors to mandatory life without the possibility of parole. During the hearing, the high court heard arguments advocating for not "giving up" on child offenders, emphasizing that they are still a work in progress emotionally and developmentally. One attorney described them as such.
Ethan Crumbly is escorted by sheriff deputies after being sentenced Friday, December 8, 2023, in Pontiac, Michigan.
Carlos Osorio/AP
Justice Elena Kagan stated in the court's opinion that it would be unjust for states to overlook the possibility that these inmates, who are now adults, could eventually be rehabilitated.
"The mandatory sentencing schemes presented in this case go against the principle of proportionality, and therefore, they violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment," Kagan explained.
Justice Samuel Alito dissented, stating that the court's decision to overturn state legislatures' choices puts society at risk of convicted murderers reoffending. As a result of the ruling, court hearings now take place before sentencing to assess the suitability of a potential life sentence.
Earlier this year, Michigan lawmakers proposed a bipartisan bill to prohibit minors from receiving life sentences without the possibility of parole. Currently, at least 26 other states have already implemented similar laws.
According to state Sen. Sylvia Santana, "The Supreme Court has emphasized that life without parole sentences for juveniles should be uncommon. The Michigan Supreme Court has now placed the responsibility on the prosecuting attorney to demonstrate, with clear and convincing evidence, that a young individual is an exceptional case warranting a life without parole sentence."
Proposed legislation would mandate a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 60 years for juvenile offenders, with the possibility of a parole review after 10 years, as reported by Michigan Senate Democrats. This information was contributed to by CNN's Ray Sanchez, Nicki Brown, Aditi Sanga, Lauren del Valle, Holly Yan, and Bill Mears.
