(WXYZ) — Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has announced charges in connection with Tuesday's Oxford High School shootings.
Fifteen-year-old Ethan Crumbley is being charged with one count of terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree murder, 7 counts of assault with intent to murder and 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. McDonald said the investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible, based on their findings.
Crumbley is being charged as an adult in the case. He is was arraigned Wednesday afternoon and stood mute, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Bond was denied in the case.
Crumbley was also ordered transferred from Children's Village to the Oakland County Jail.
He faces life in prison if convicted on all charges.
McDonald says there is evidence this was not an impulsive act. She says the terrorism charge was issued due to the circumstances of the school shooting. She also says they are considering charges against both parents.
Tate Myre, 16, Hana St. Juliana, 14, and Madisyn Baldwin, 17, were killed when officials say a 15-year-old sophomore opened fire with a 9mm pistol late in the noon hour in the south end of the school. On Wednesday afternoon, police said 17-year-old Justin Shilling died from his injuries.
Students report it was right at the start of fifth hour when they heard the first shots fired.
Students told 7 Action News they heard an ALICE warning over the intercom after the first rounds were fired. ALICE is a training program for students and schools and it’s an acronym. It stands for: Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate.
Within minutes after the first calls, deputies responded along with a police liaison stationed at the school.
The sheriff’s office said the suspected shooter still had seven rounds of ammunition in his gun when he was apprehended. Police would later find more than 30 shell casings.
Seven other victims were injured in the shooting, one has been discharged while others are battling for their lives.
Officials say there is a 14-year-old female in critical condition with chest and neck gunshot wounds. She underwent surgery and is currently on a ventilator.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Tuesday evening that it is "looking tough" for this girl.
One other is in critical condition, a 17-year-old female.
Other victims include:
- 14-year-old male in serious condition
- 17-year-old female in stable condition
- 15-year-old male in stable condition
- 17-year-old male in stable condition
A 47-year-old teacher was treated for a graze wound and later discharged, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
The school district released a new statement on Wednesday:
The Oxford Community Schools District and our entire community has suffered a loss that is immeasurable. The safety and security of our students and staff is our first priority. The result of the horrific attack at Oxford High School is four young lives lost and injury to six other students and one staff member. While this is a cost no community should bear the long-term impacts of this event cannot be comprehended.
The response by our students, staff and first responders was heroic and undoubtedly saved lives.
Oxford Schools is fully participating in the ongoing Oakland County Sheriff’s Office investigation.
Our primary mission is to support our students, staff, and our community. To that end, our focus will remain on providing care and support for as long as needed.
As is common in traumatic and rapidly evolving events, there is often significant speculation and misinformation. The verified facts have been and will continue to be shared by law enforcement.
Please respect the privacy of our families as they grieve this unimaginable loss.
