The Crumbleys did not take their son home nor did they disclose to the school that James had gifted Ethan a 9 mm Sig Sauer handgun, according to NBC News. That same day that the then-15-year-old opened fire using the same gun, which had been in his backpack, and killed students Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Tate Myre, 16, Hana St. Juliana, 14, and Justin Shilling, 17, in addition to wounding seven others.
When taking the stand during her trial, Jennifer told the jury, per NBC News, that while she felt regret over her son’s actions, she “wouldn’t have” done anything differently. She also reportedly said, “I don’t think I’m a failure as a parent.”
Craig Shilling—whose son Justin was one of the four teens killed in the shooting—who was present in court when the verdict was read and later spoke outside the courtroom.
“We have been asking for accountability across the board, and this is one step towards that,” Craig told reporters, per NBC News. “I feel that moving forward is not going to be any easier because of what we left behind, but it gives us hope for a brighter future.”
And when it comes to parental responsibility, he added, “Do your due diligence with your child. You cannot choose to take your own interest over your child, especially when it comes to mental health.”
NBC News and E! News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.