Local artist comes forward after Ethan Crumbley’s parents found in warehouse

An additional man has been drawn into a school shooting investigation in the US following the hunt for Ethan Crumbley’s parents.

This booking photo released by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office in Michigan shows shooting suspect Ethan Crumbley. – Crumbley, 15, was arraigned on December 1, 2021, as an adult. The charges against Crumbley in the November 30 shooting at Oxford High school include one count of terrorism, four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of intent to murder, and 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. (Photo by Handout / Oakland County Sheriff's Office / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /Oakland County Sheriff's Office" – NO MARKETING – NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

An artist in the US state Michigan has come forward after the parents of 15-year-old alleged school shooter Ethan Crumbley were found in a commercial building, following a manhunt to find them.

Ethan is alleged to have opened fire at Oxford High School last week, leaving four students dead and seven others injured. He was charged as an adult with 24 offences including four counts of first-degree murder, as well as charges of terrorism and assault.

Meanwhile, his parents were hit with four counts of involuntary manslaughter for their alleged role in providing him with the weapon and failing to act on danger signs.

Four days before the massacre, Ethan’s father James Crumbley allegedly purchased a semiautomatic handgun. His son accompanied him, a shop assistant told police.

Then, a day later, his mother Jennifer Crumbley posted on social media saying Ethan was “testing out his new Christmas present”.

Lead investigators say the Crumbley parents ignored warning signs from their son, failed to return teachers’ messages raising concerns about his behaviour and encouraged him to not “get caught”.

Shortly after the news that they would face charges, the couple were declared missing.

Police charged the couple with four counts each of involuntary manslaughter for failing in their responsibilities as gun holders.

After a day-long manhunt, authorities traced the pair’s location to a commercial art space in a building in Detroit.

Andrzej Sikora approached Detroit and Oakland County police shortly afterwards, informing them of his connection to the commercial building. He has not been charged with aiding the fleeing parents.

“Mr. Sikora has not been charged with any crime,” Lawyer Clarence Dass said in a statement Sunday.

“Nevertheless, upon learning of the Crumbleys’ arrest on December 4, 2021, he voluntarily contacted the Detroit Police Department and Oakland County Sheriff’s Office to provide information. He maintains his innocence throughout this process and is fully co-operating with law enforcement to assist in their investigation.”

A Michigan artist has come forward after the parents of 15-year-old alleged school shooter Ethan Crumbley were found hiding in a commercial building, following calls for their arrest.

According to a media release on Sunday from the office of Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the 65-year-old will be interviewed in full on Monday, local time.

“Andrzej Sikora, 65, will be interviewed Monday afternoon by Sheriff’s Detectives as to any connection he may have to the disappearance of Jennifer and James Crumbley,” the release said.

“They were arrested by Detroit Police early Saturday in a commercial building in the 1100 block of Bellevue near Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. The commercial space is linked to Sikora.

“We will vigorously investigate the totality of the situation so a determination can be made if there is any criminality or obstruction of justice involved. Our findings will be presented to the prosecutor.”

Speaking at a press conference following the parents’ arrest, Detroit police Chief James White said the couple had help getting into the building. Who helped them remains an unresolved question.

“They were aided, and we’re looking into that portion of the investigation, that part is very active now,” said White.

Video obtained by CNN showed the couple’s arrest, with Mr Sikora’s name and phone number listed outside the basement room where they were found.

The couple were not armed when they were arrested and appeared “very distressed as they walked out”.

The charges against Crumbley in the November 30 shooting at Oxford High school include one count of terrorism, four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of intent to murder, and 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Ethan Crumbley – accused of being the Oxford High School shooter.

Lawyers for the Crumbleys have denied they were fugitives, saying they left town “for their own safety” and were returning soon.

Authorities have alleged that Ethan’s parents failed to do enough to stop him despite warning signs that he was planning to shoot his classmates.

According to Reuters, on two separate occasions teachers thought Ethan was a risk to others.

The first time, a teacher spotted Ethan googling on his phone how to access ammunition. This prompted them to flag him with school officials, who in turn tried to contact his mother Jennifer.

She never returned their messages but clearly read them as hours later prosecutors say she texted Ethan: “LOL, I’m not mad at you. You have to learn not to get caught.”

Originally published as Local artist comes forward after Ethan Crumbley’s parents found in warehouse