A teenager in Michigan who killed four students and injured several others with a semi-automatic handgun in 2021, could spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.
Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 years old at the time, opened fire on his classmates at Oxford High School, north of Detroit.
He pleaded guilty last year to 24 charges, including terrorism, murder, assault and possession of a firearm.
During an online hearing Friday, Judge Kwamé Rowe said the attacker's planning, work and social life does not illustrate the hallmark immaturity of a child.
Prior to the attack, Crumbley wrote 22 pages in his journal about school shootings, heavily researched other school shootings and potential maximum sentences.
His parents are also awaiting trial on four counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Prosecutors say the Crumbleys bought their son a gun while ignoring clear warning signs that he was about to commit violence.
The teen faces at least 25 years in prison. His sentencing is set for December.
Automatic life sentences for criminals under 18 have been ruled unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court but can be imposed based on the severity of the crime and the maturity of the child.
