Several parents of teenagers who lost their lives in the tragic 2021 Michigan school shooting passionately addressed the court on Tuesday. They pleaded with the judge to impose the harshest possible sentence on the parents of the school shooter, Ethan Crumbley. Not long after their emotional pleas, the judge sentenced the parents to serve 10 to 15 years in prison each.
James and Jennifer Crumbley have been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in two separate trials. Each count corresponds to one of the victims who tragically lost their lives. The victims include Tate Myre, aged 16; Hana St. Juliana, aged 14; Madisyn Baldwin, aged 17; and Justin Shilling, aged 17.
Nicole Beausoleil, the mother of 17-year-old Baldwin, took the floor first, sharing heartfelt words about her daughter and the immense pain she has been grappling with since her tragic passing. She emphasized that the pain will persist indefinitely, leaving a lasting impact on her life.
Beausoleil, with tears often held back, expressed, “You took away four beautiful children from this world.”
“You have failed as parents,” she continued solemnly. “No punishment that you face will ever be enough. It will never bring her back.”
Beausoleil expressed his strong disapproval of the Crumbley parents, criticizing their “disgusting” lack of compassion.
Beausoleil expressed her grief and frustration, emphasizing how the decisions made by the person in question had devastating consequences, both for her and her daughter. She highlighted the fact that this individual chose not to take responsibility as a parent and failed to listen to their own child. As a result, Beausoleil’s right to be a mother was tragically taken away.
The prosecutors had requested a prison term of 10 to 15 years for each parent, which exceeded the recommended seven-year sentence for the case. The parents’ attorneys had advocated for credit for time already served, as both parents have been incarcerated since December 2021.
On Tuesday, the parents of Shilling, who was 17 at the time of his death, both had the opportunity to speak.
“In court, Jill Soave, the mother of Justin Shilling, expressed how brave her son was, recounting how he spent his last moments protecting a fellow student.”
Soave expressed his deep concern regarding both cases, stating that they were profoundly disturbing.
“The failure of both James and Jennifer to take action has had a devastating impact on all of us. This tragedy could have been avoided if they had made even the slightest effort to change the outcome on November 3. If only they had acted, our four angels would still be here with us today,” expressed Soave with great sorrow.
According to Soave, it would have been preferable if the parents had chosen to take their son for counseling instead of purchasing a gun. Additionally, if they had ensured the security of the gun and voiced their concerns during the counseling session, the outcome could have been different. It is also suggested that checking the son’s backpack for any signs of potential danger could have been beneficial. Instead of leaving him at the school, taking him home or seeking professional help would have been a more suitable option.
As she held the birthday card in her hands, Soave couldn’t help but be moved by the heartfelt message inside. It was a beautiful reminder of the love that exists between a mother and her son.
Soave expressed his deep sadness and devastation over the apparent lack of love and desire for the child from both individuals. In contrast, he emphasized his own unwavering love and cherished relationship with his own son. He strongly condemned their failure to care for their child, stating that they have not only failed him but also let down the entire community.
Every day since his son’s tragic death, Shilling’s father has been grappling with immense struggle.
“It’s been almost two and a half years, and I can tell you that the pain is just as raw as it was,” shared Craig Shilling.
He expressed that he experiences a range of emotions on a daily basis, including pain, anger, heartache, regret, anxiety, and stress.
According to him, the absence of his son has created a noticeable void that has affected every aspect of his life.
Shilling directly confronted the Crumbleys, stating, “You also bear responsibility for the tragic loss of our children’s lives.”
In the eyes of Reina St. Juliana, the maximum sentence imposed was deemed insufficient. She expressed her dissatisfaction, highlighting the fact that her sister, Hana St. Juliana, did not even have the opportunity to reach the age of 15.
Reina St. Juliana sorrowfully recounted the tragic ending: “In her final moments, she succumbed to her injuries, her life slipping away in a pool of her own blood.”
“You have created an everlasting failure with your mistakes,” she exclaimed. “The consequences of your actions have caused the most cruel thing I can ever imagine.”
