Judge: Oxford Schools, Staff Immune From Shooting Lawsuits

PONTIAC, Mich.—A Michigan judge has ruled that staff and administrators at Oxford High School cannot be sued for a shooting that left four students dead and seven others wounded.

Mary Ellen Brennan of the Oakland County Circuit dismissed all civil claims against Oxford Community Schools for the shooting. Brennan stated that both the school district and its staff were protected under governmental immunity.

Ethan Crumbley (16) has been accused of setting fire to other teens in the school’s hallway on Nov. 30, 2021. The incident took place approximately 30 miles north from Detroit. Tate Myre (14-year old), Hana ST. Juliana (17-years-old), Madisyn B Baldwin (17-years-old) and Justin Shilling (17-years-old) were the four victims.

Crumbley, aged 15 at the time, pleaded guilty October to first-degree and terrorist murder charges. According to the prosecution, they intend to seek a lifetime sentence that includes no parole opportunity.

The county sheriff, along with Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald, have criticized school officials for failing to alert a school resource officer to their concerns about Crumbley. They also failed to search the backpack of the teenager before allowing him back to class three hours prior to the shooting.

One teacher saw Crumbley in class looking at his mobile phone for ammunition the day before. A voicemail was left by school officials informing Crumbley’s mom about the incident.