Craig Shilling, the father of Justin Shilling, one of the victims of the tragic mass shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, expressed his emotions and relief following the guilty verdict of Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the shooter. Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom in Pontiac, Michigan, Shilling revealed that the verdict was a significant step towards accountability.
“It was a long time coming, but it’s definitely a step toward accountability,” Shilling shared with the media on Tuesday. The guilty verdict for Jennifer Crumbley, who was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter, brings a sense of closure to the families affected by this devastating incident. Crumbley is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9 and could face a maximum punishment of up to 15 years in prison for each count.
Shilling acknowledged that the verdict will have a lasting impact on him personally. He stated, “It’s definitely going to resonate with me for a while. It’s not really about winning or losing. It’s about making it apparent that all of this has to stop in society.” The grieving father emphasized the urgent need for parents to address issues surrounding their children’s mental health and not turn a blind eye to potential warning signs.
According to Shilling, there were multiple opportunities for intervention before the tragic shooting occurred. He expressed his disappointment in Jennifer Crumbley’s actions, stating, “You cannot choose to take your own interests over your child, especially when it comes to mental health and addressing concerns. Everything about that was disturbing.”
The sentiment shared by Shilling reflects the broader societal concern regarding school shootings and the importance of early intervention and support for struggling individuals. This tragic event serves as a reminder that no issue should be overlooked when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of young students.
In light of this case, Shilling called on parents to actively address issues “at every level” and stressed that there is no longer any room to look the other way. The devastating loss experienced by the victims’ families highlights the need for a collective effort to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The guilty verdict for Jennifer Crumbley may not bring back the lives lost, but it sends a powerful message about accountability and the consequences of negligence. As the community continues to heal, it is hoped that this case will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting individuals and institutions to prioritize mental health support and create safer environments for students.
The Oxford High School shooting shocked the nation, leaving an indelible mark on the community and the families affected. While justice has been served with the guilty verdict, the road to healing will be long and arduous. However, with the dedication and commitment of individuals like Craig Shilling, who continue to advocate for change, there is hope that tragedies like these can be prevented in the future.