Parents of Victims in Michigan School Shooting Urges State for Further Investigation

parents of victims Michigan school shooting mass shooting investigation

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Mar 19, 07:26 am

Photo: (Photo : Bill Pugliano/Getty Images )

The parents of four students who lost their lives in the Michigan school shooting are pursuing an extensive state investigation into all aspects of the 2021 tragedy.

Parents Seeks Accountability from the Oxford School District

The victims' parents disagree that the convictions of the teenage shooter and his parents are inadequate to provide closure. Additionally, they are pushing for a change in Michigan law to make it easier to hold the Oxford school district liable for any failures that added to the attack.

Steve St. Juliana, whose daughter Hana was among the casualties, affirmed the need for fundamental changes to avoid related circumstances in the future. Buck Myre, the father of victim Tate Myre, condemned Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for supposedly ignoring their pleas.

The parents, including Craig Shilling and Nicole Beausoleil, spoke out in a joint interview, highlighting the shortcomings identified in an independent investigation commissioned by the Oxford district. This report cited failures at various levels within the school system contributing to the tragedy.

Myre stressed the importance of accountability and change, emphasizing that no family or school community should endure such a tragedy.

The state attorney general's office refutes claims of disinterest but acknowledges legal limitations in pursuing civil investigations into the school's actions.

While lawsuits against the district are pending, the parents lamented the high legal threshold in Michigan for holding public agencies accountable. They argued that insurance companies covering schools obstruct transparency and hinder accountability.

Myre commended Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her engagement but criticized other officials for failing to listen. St. Juliana proposed establishing a dedicated agency for school safety, drawing inspiration from Maryland's model.

In addition to Tate Myre and Hana St. Juliana, Justin Shilling and Madisyn Baldwin lost their lives in the shooting. Ethan Crumbley, the perpetrator, received a life sentence, while his parents await sentencing.

School's Response to the Mass Shooting

During the trials, school staff testified about the day of the shooting in November 2021 when administrators summoned the Crumbleys after Ethan drew a disturbing picture. Despite this, Ethan's access to a firearm at home wasn't disclosed, and his parents didn't remove him from school. Later that day, Ethan carried out the shooting with a handgun purchased by his father.

While the trials focused on parental responsibility, defense lawyers also pointed fingers at school administrators for their alleged inaction. This included decisions such as allowing Ethan to remain in school after the meeting where his parents were called.

Since the shooting, families have sued the Oxford school district, but legal disputes persist due to governmental immunity. Some families' lawyers argue for a change in the law to address this issue.

Looking forward, St. Juliana stressed the need for a thorough and transparent investigation, suggesting that board members should step down to aid community healing. He expressed concerns that some wish to move on now that the trials are over.

In response, County Prosecutor Karen McDonald plans to form a commission to offer recommendations aimed at preventing mass shootings and addressing gun violence as a public health crisis. She emphasized the importance of comprehensive prevention strategies beyond traditional safety measures.