Judge expresses 'great concern' of mistrial for parents of alleged Oxford high school shooter
ABC News
A judge said Tuesday that she is appointing independent counsel to the parents of alleged Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley.
Expressing "great concern" of a mistrial happening, a judge said Tuesday that she is appointing an independent counsel for the parents of alleged Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley to explain potential conflicts of interest the couple could encounter by sharing attorneys from the same law firm.
Jennifer and James Crumbley are both charged with multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter stemming from the Nov. 30, 2021, mass shooting at Oxford High School in the Detroit suburb of Oxford Township.
During a brief hearing Tuesday morning, Judge Cheryl Matthews told the Crumbleys she will appoint each of them an attorney to advise them, not necessarily to replace their current lawyers.
"Joint representation of co-defendants charged in criminal matters by attorneys from the same law firm is uncommon," Matthews told the couple. "There is great concern that there may be a conflict of interest as incompatibility positions may arise at any moment."
