If Ethan Crumbley had been a few years older when he killed four students at his Michigan high school and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, there would be no question: He would be going to prison for the rest of his life.
But because he was 15 when he opened fire in 2021 in the hallways of Oxford High School, his fate is less certain.
In a hearing set to begin on Thursday morning, a state judge will consider whether Mr. Crumbley should be eligible for a sentence that could allow him to one day leave prison.
And it could offer a preview of prosecutors’ separate cases against Mr. Crumbley’s parents, who are charged with involuntary manslaughter and accused of missing chances to intervene before the shooting.
The parents have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
Persons:
Ethan Crumbley, Crumbley, Crumbley’s
Organizations:
Michigan, Oxford High School, Supreme
Locations:
Michigan, U.S