Judge rules ‘every bullet’ fired in Oxford High School shooting could affect settlement amount

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) -A judge in Oakland County has ruled that every bullet fired by Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley that caused an injury could factor into the settlement amount paid to the families of the victims.

The school district’s insurance company argues its liability for the attack should be $5 million, but under the judge’s ruling, that number could be closer to $55 million -$5 million for each of the 11 victims.

Attorney Ven Johnson, who represents the victim’s families applauded the Circuit Court ruling.

However, according to Johnson, it will likely take years for anyone to get the money. Adding, that he expects the insurer to appeal the ruling.

“The insurance company should pay all of that money, and then the families could, between themselves, equitably distribute that share of the money, and at least again have a symbol of justice. Never enough money, would never bring these kids back and make any of these families feel whole,” said Ven Johnson.

That settlement could rise to as much as $150 million if the ruling applies to victims shot more than once or those who were fired at but not hit.

Crumbley fired his weapon 33 times in the 2021 attack, killing four students and injuring seven others. He is serving life in prison without parole.

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