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Jennifer and James Crumbley's criminal defense denied request for change of venue

These undated photos provided by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office show James Crumbley, left, and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of Ethan Crumbley, who is accused of killing four students at Oxford High School in Michigan.
Oakland County Sheriff's Office via AP
These undated photos provided by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office show James Crumbley, left, and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of Ethan Crumbley, who is accused of killing four students at Oxford High School in Michigan.

The parents of the teen accused of killing four classmates at Oxford High School last year face a court hearing today. The outcome could reshape any forthcoming trial for Jennifer and James Crumbley.

Prosecutors charged the Crumbleys with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly ignoring signs their son was deeply troubled, and instead buying him a handgun.

Now defense attorneys for the Crumbleys want the prosecution sanctioned and silenced, claiming prosecutors publicly contend they are the ONLY ones with the truth about the shootings, implying the defense is lying.

Prosecutors counter that they have no objection to a gag order preventing BOTH sides from talking to the media, so long as they can still confer with victims and "correct misinformation."

The defense also wants a change of venue, arguing media coverage and the suffering of community members near the school has tainted any potential jury pool.

Quinn Klinefelter is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, anchoring midday newscasts and preparing reports for WDET, NPR and the BBC.