Ethan Crumbley, the 15-year-old who opened fire at his high school in Michigan, pleaded not guilty to one count of terrorism causing death, seven counts of assault with intent to murder, four counts of first-degree murder, and 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The sophomore, who will be tried as an adult, is believed to have fired over 30 rounds in the hallways of his high school, killing a total of four students and wounding several others. He appeared in Oakland County Court, wearing a vest, glasses, and a white mask.
Assistant prosecuting attorney Mark Keast told Judge Nancy Carniak he didn’t “have the words to describe how horrific” the video of the shooting is. Keast said, “He methodically and deliberately walked down a hallway, aimed the firearm at students, and fired it. After children started running away from the defendant, he continued down the hallway, again at a deliberate and methodical pace, pointing and aiming inside classrooms and at students who hadn’t had the opportunity to escape.”
Lt. Tim Willis told the judge that Etham Crumbley had recorded a few videos on his smartphone the night before. In the videos, he “talked about shooting and killing students the next day at Oxford High School.”
Crumbley’s parents went to the high school about two to three hours before the incident took place to meet school officials and their son regarding behavioral issues in the classroom.
The police apprehended Crumbley within about five minutes of the first 911 call. Yet, at least 30 casings were found at the scene, and the suspect had about 18 live rounds remaining when deputies arrested him. Crumbley has declined to speak with authorities, and his parents have hired an attorney.