Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl Matthews said during a pretrial hearing Tuesday for Jennifer and James Crumbley that because each is represented by an attorney from the same law firm the potential for a conflict exists.
The Crumbleys face involuntary manslaughter charges and are accused of making the gun used in the Nov. 30 shooting at Oxford High School available to their son, Ethan. They also are accused of failing to intervene when he showed signs of mental distress at home and at school. "The appointment of counsel will not be a substitute for the defendants' current counsel of choice or to report back to this court," said Matthews, adding that they will advise each defendant with regard to joint representation and potential conflicts.Prosecutors initially raised the concern that using the same law firm could allow for an appeal attempt by the Crumbleys if they are convicted.
Their son is charged as an adult with first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, terrorism and gun charges in the shooting at his school, about 30 miles north of Detroit. Six other students and a teacher were wounded.