PARKLAND, Fla. – On Tuesday, a Michigan mother became the first parent in U.S. history to be convicted for their child’s school shooting.
The landmark verdict was stunning.
Jennifer Crumbley was convicted on all counts in a Michigan courtroom over the actions of her then 15-year old son.
The 2021 school shooting by the teen claimed four lives and injured seven others.
Manny Oliver knows the pain of loss too well. His 17-year-old son Joaquin was killed in the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior High School in February of 2018.
Now Oliver is a strong advocate against gun violence.
“Today I felt good when I heard the news. I think we’re sending a message,” Oliver said. “This lady is not a victim, she’s not. She’s responsible for making a mistake and now she’s going to pay for it. Let’s not forget the victims. The victims were those shot by her son.”
Michigan prosecutors argued Jennifer Crumbley and her husband James Crumbley bought the gun used in the shooting, failed to secure it and ignored red flags concerning their son’s mental health, even on the day of the crime, and that she could have prevented the tragedy.
During the trial, Jennifer Crumbley took the stand in her own defense.
“This is a miserable family, in my opinion,” Oliver said.
The defense argued any mother could have easily been in her shoes. The jury of six men and six women did not agree.
“I think we’re sending a message,” Oliver said. “I think the jury did the right thing to being able to mark a precedent when it comes to accountability on this issue.”