A well wisher kneels to pray at a memorial on the sign of Oxford High School in Oxford, Mich., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. A 15-year-old sophomore opened fire at the school, killing several students and wounding multiple other people, including a teacher. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
SRDTF News
UPDATED 3:25 PM PT – Wednesday, December 1, 2021
The alleged gunman in the Michigan high school shooting is set to be tried as an adult on one count of terrorism causing death and four first-degree murder charges. Authorities announced the charges and others against 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley on Wednesday.
This comes as 17-year-old Justin Shilling passed away at the hospital Wednesday morning, after being shot at Oxford High School near Detroit on Tuesday. Authorities have identified 17-year-old Madisyn Baldwin, 16-year-old Tate Myre and 14-year-old Hana Juliana as the other victims who died in the shooting.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed her condolences to the victims and their families.
“My heart, like any mom or dad in Michigan, is with the parents of Oxford. We all hugged our kids a little tighter yesterday. I know that a lot of us love this time of year when it’s time to gather with family and friends to celebrate for the holidays. For the Oxford community especially, this holiday season will be different. We all have to be there for them in every way that we can, to help them be strong and lift their spirits through our actions,” said Whitmer.
During a press conference Tuesday, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard confirmed eight others, including a teacher and Shilling, were injured.
The shooting happened Tuesday afternoon at Oxford High School in Oakland County, which is about 30-miles north of Detroit. Of the eight injured, three now remain in critical condition, three are in stable condition with various gunshot wounds and the teacher who was shot has been discharged.
According to preliminary information, the weapon used in the shooting was purchased just last week by the boy’s father. However, his parents have hired an attorney and have not allowed their son to speak to police. Meanwhile, prosecutors are considering charges against the parents of the suspect as well.
Additionally, Bouchard went on to commend his team and the county’s active shooter training while crediting it for saving other lives.
“I’m extremely proud of the deputies, our partners, the fire department and EMTs for their intervening actions,” he stated. “As I mentioned, I believe they literally saved lives having taken down the suspect with a loaded firearm still in the building.”
Students attend a vigil at LakePoint Community Church in Oxford, Mich., Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Authorities say a 15-year-old sophomore opened fire at Oxford High School, killing several students and wounding multiple other people, including a teacher. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
A motive for the shooting remains unclear. Meanwhile, a number of vigils were held across the Oxford community Tuesday night following the shooting.