'I love you': James and Jennifer Crumbley's bizarre intimate moment in court
James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley made their first court appearance at the Rochester Hills District Court on December 14, 2021. During the short session, prosecutors requested more time to gather evidence against the couple, to which Judge Julie Nicholson agreed. But another moment from the hearing also went viral, where James and Jennifer shared an intimate moment, as he told his wife "I love you".
The Crumbleys are just one of the few parents to be charged over their child's actions, with Oakland County DA Karen McDonald noting the extraordinary situation warranted the extreme step. The couple was arrested after initially going on the run, sparking a manhunt by the US Marshals Service. They were then arrested on December 4, and placed at Oakland County Jail on a $500,000 bond each, which they have so far not been able to meet.
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The couple is facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter each, to which they pleaded not guilty on December 1. During the December 14 probable cause hearing, prosecutors asked for the preliminary exam hearing to be moved from December 22 to February 4, 2022. The Crumbleys didn't oppose the move, with their attorneys even joining in the request. Although the hearing only lasted around 20 minutes, it wasn't short of newsworthy moments.
Crumbley's share intimate moment
The couple appeared in the court just after 1:00 PM on December 14, with their two attorneys Shannon Smith and Mariell Lehman. McDonald then addressed the court, saying, "This case is unprecedented in Oakland County, and perhaps the state." Her office has so far turned over 500 pages of discovery to the defense, with an additional 40GB of data still pending review. Beyond acknowledging the judge's comments, the couple didn't speak throughout the hearing.
As their lawyers were invited to approach the bench, cameras caught James mouthing "I love you" to his wife. Jennifer nodded and appeared to mouth something in return, but it wasn't clear what she said. It was just one of the several emotional moments James had during the appearance. He was reportedly "very emotional and fought back tears" at the hearing, and glanced at his wife several times.
The Crumbely's lawyers also announced their intention to file for the bond to be reduced, for which a hearing has been scheduled on January 7. It's unclear how much they want to lower it to, but either way, the family will spend the winter holidays in jail. Ethan too is still in prison, and won't be able to communicate with his parents. Ethan, who has been charged as an adult, is currently also in adult jail after a judge denied his attorney's request to move him to juvie.
Ethan's probable cause conference was also moved, from December 13 to January 7 after his lawyer requested more time to review evidence. He's facing even more severe charges of terrorism, four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of assault with intent to murder, and 12 counts of possession of a firearm while committing a felony.
