PONTIAC, Mich. - The criminal trial of James Crumbley, the father of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley, commenced on Thursday with prosecutors presenting evidence suggesting his failure to prevent the tragic shooting spree at Oxford High School in November 2021. The trial, which could last about two weeks, centers around the question of parental responsibility for the intentional acts of a teenage child.

Oakland County prosecutor Marc Keast opened the case by displaying an image of the unused cable lock for the gun, still in its original packaging, implying that James Crumbley neglected to secure the weapon. Keast argued, "That nightmare was preventable and it was foreseeable," emphasizing the need to prove gross negligence, a causation of death, and the foreseeability of the shooter's actions in order to hold Crumbley responsible.

James Crumbley's defense lawyer, Mariell Lehman, countered in her opening statement, asserting that Crumbley was unaware of his son's planned attack and had no reason to believe he posed a danger. Lehman stated, "James Crumbley knew what his son was going to do and knew he had a duty to protect other people from his son... He didn't know."

Crumbley, 47, faces four counts of involuntary manslaughter, each representing one of the victims in the tragic school shooting. His wife, Jennifer Crumbley, 45, was found guilty on the same charges last month. The trial marks a precedent in the United States, as it is the first time a parent is being held partly responsible for their child's school shooting rampage.

Prosecutors revealed that James Crumbley had purchased a 9 mm Sig Sauer as a gift for Ethan during a time when the teenager was emotionally struggling due to the departure of his best friend. They argued that Crumbley was aware of his son's social isolation and distress but did not take adequate measures to prevent the violence. This includes properly locking the weapon and notifying school staff after witnessing a disturbing drawing on Ethan's math homework.

Lehman countered that Crumbley, a Door Dash driver, did not act differently on the day of the shooting because he was oblivious to any imminent danger. She reasoned, "When you're not aware of an imminent, immediate danger, why would you do anything different than you'd normally do?"

During the jury selection process, it was revealed that the majority of jurors are parents and have some experience with firearms, reflecting the familiarity of firearm exposure in this region of Michigan. The trial will also touch on themes of parental responsibility and safe gun storage.

The trial will feature new witnesses, including the original owner of the handgun purchased by Crumbley and a student injured in the shooting. However, certain evidence, such as text messages exchanged between Jennifer Crumbley and Ethan, will not be admissible as there is no evidence of James Crumbley's awareness of them.

James Crumbley's case is being treated separately from his wife's, with different evidence presented. The judge emphasized the need for impartiality and asked potential jurors to set aside any sympathy and decide the case based on evidence and facts.

As for Ethan Crumbley, he will not be testifying in his father's trial. Loved ones of the shooting victims attended the opening statements, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere in the courtroom.

If found guilty, James Crumbley could face up to 15 years in prison for each count of involuntary manslaughter.