Michigan Mother's Trial: Judge Considers Admissibility of Text Messages in Involuntary Manslaughter Case Michigan - The trial of Jennifer Crumbly, a Michigan mother facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the tragic shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, is back in session after two breaks. Today, the judge is deliberating on whether a crucial piece of evidence, text messages exchanged between Crumbly and her attorney, should be allowed in trial. The defense argues that admitting these messages would set a dangerous precedent, as it would breach the attorney-client privilege. However, the defense inadvertently opened the door to this discussion, prompting the judge to review the text messages.
The case itself is already considered historic due to the nature of the crime. Crumbly's son is serving a life sentence after shooting and killing four students at Oxford High School. Jennifer Crumbly, now on trial, is seeking to avoid jail time herself. During her testimony yesterday, she attempted to shift blame onto her husband but expressed regret for the violence inflicted by her son. When asked if she would have acted differently, she stated that she would not have and even wished that her son had harmed them instead.
The significance of the text messages lies in the issue of flight. After the shooting, the couple sought refuge in a local motel for a few nights before relocating to Detroit, where they stayed in an industrial building belonging to a friend. They claimed to have received threats and feared for their lives due to the community's outrage following the mass shooting in the quiet suburb of Oxford, Michigan. Crumbly testified that they had intended to turn themselves in on Saturday morning with the guidance of her attorney, Shannon Smith. However, the prosecution believes their actions indicated an attempt to flee jurisdiction, leading them to seek access to the text messages.
The judge is now faced with the dilemma of whether to breach the attorney-client privilege. Expressing hesitancy, the judge acknowledged the absolute nature of this privilege but felt compelled to review the texts, as their content might hold valuable information regarding the flight allegations. The judge assured that the review would not take long as there were only a few texts in question, sent in the early morning hours of December 4th, just before law enforcement authorities apprehended the couple.
The situation unfolding in the courtroom is extraordinary on multiple fronts. Firstly, charging parents in connection with a school shooting is relatively unprecedented. Now, the judge's potential decision to breach attorney-client privilege adds a significant twist to the trial, further capturing public interest.
As court proceedings resume, all eyes are on the judge as she takes her seat. The decision regarding the admissibility of the text messages may come to light at any moment. The judge has confirmed that she has reviewed the instructions provided by the Sheriff's Department relating to the sealed envelope containing the text messages. Both the prosecution and Crumbly's attorney have no objections to the review or the content of the text chain. However, the defense requested that if the text chain is used, it should be admitted as evidence. The judge plans to retain a copy of the text chain in her personal file while handing over a copy to the prosecution.
The courtroom is filled with anticipation as the judge prepares to deliver her decision. This development raises the stakes even further in this high-profile case, leaving spectators and legal experts wondering how this unique legal situation will unfold.
