In a court revelation, Ethan Crumbley, the Michigan high school shooter responsible for killing four students and injuring seven others, was heard declaring his intentions in a recorded manifesto played during the sentencing hearing on Thursday, July 27.
The night before the incident at Oxford School, the 15-year-old said, “I am going to be the next school shooter” and expressed his desire to cause harm and send a message to his classmates.
In the audio, Crumbley revealed the torment he experienced, mentioning the inner turmoil and his inability to control his thoughts. Prosecutors presented pages from his handwritten journal containing graphic details of his violent fantasies and plans to harm others.
Phoebe Arthur, one of his classmates, became the first victim, surviving but gravely wounded. In the journal, Crumbley expressed his intention to continue shooting until confronted by the police, surrendering only to plead guilty to life in prison. He sought recognition for the darkness within him.
Prosecutors also introduced evidence of Crumbley’s behavior involving animals, including harming baby birds. In prior text messages, he had revealed his disturbing thoughts about harming a classmate.
A video of the incident was shown during the trial, bringing a strong emotional response from the victims’ families.
The prosecution sought life imprisonment without parole, while the defense argued for the chance of rehabilitation due to parental neglect, and the defendant’s calls for help in his journal. The court will continue to hear testimony in the following days.