Crumbley's new legal team argued that new evidence suggests he may not have fully understood his plea, warranting a review of the plea process.

A Michigan court has denied Ethan Crumbley's appeal to withdraw his guilty plea related to the tragic Oxford High School shooting that claimed four lives and injured several others.

Crumbley was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on December 8, 2023, following a ruling by Judge Kwamé Rowe.

The court's order, issued on May 6, 2025, rejected the appeal due to a lack of merit in the arguments presented.

They also contended that the life sentence was inappropriate and questioned Crumbley's understanding of his guilty plea.

The defense claimed that Crumbley's mental health issues and potential fetal alcohol spectrum disorder impacted his cognitive abilities at the time of the shooting.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald emphasized the severity of Crumbley's actions, highlighting the preventability of the tragedy and the responsibilities of both the shooter and his parents.

The Court of Appeals upheld the original sentencing decision, finding that the appeal lacked merit.

Crumbley's parents, James and Jennifer, were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for their roles in the shooting, marking a historic case as the first time parents of a mass shooter have faced such charges.

In addition to the life sentence, Crumbley received additional prison terms for other charges, including assault with intent to murder.

Currently, Crumbley is incarcerated at the Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee, Michigan, after being transferred from the Thumb Correctional Facility.

This denial follows a previous appeal for resentencing that was also rejected last year.