DETROIT (WWJ) -- An investigation is underway to determine whether any criminal charges will be filed against a person who may have helped James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of the accused Oxford High School shooter, Ethan Crumbley.
The Crumbleys were arrested at a warehouse on Detroit’s east side early Saturday morning following a manhunt that began Friday afternoon after Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald publicly announced charges of involuntary manslaughter against the parents.
Detroit Police Chief James White said he was "surprised" the parents were found in Detroit, roughly 40 miles away from Oxford.
A defense attorney for the Crumbleys says they were not trying to flee arrest, but were leaving town due to fears for their safety. The attorney said they were unaware of the time they were scheduled to be arraigned.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said during a press conference Saturday they have been gathering information since the arrest and believed someone helped them get to that location. Bouchard noted that person could be facing potential charges for aiding and abetting or obstruction of justice -- a determination that would be made by McDonald.
The person in question has been identified as 65-year-old Andrzej Sikora, a resident of Oakland County, according to multiple reports that say he "voluntarily contacted" police to provide information.
Attorney Clarence Dass issued the following statement, according to a report from WDIV:
“Mr. Sikora has not been charged with any crime. 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,” the statement said. “He maintains his innocence throughout this process and is fully cooperating with law enforcement to assist in their investigation.”
Police had not given an update on the investigation since Saturday and it was not clear whether Sikora will be charged.
Fox 2 in Detroit reported that Sikora is a Polish-born artist based in the Detroit area. Sikora reportedly operates a studio inside the building where the parents were arrested early Saturday. It was not clear whether he owns the building.
The relationship between the artist and the family remains unclear, but Sikora was reportedly featured in an Oxford Leader article regarding the artist's recent work at Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar. A photo accompanying the story was reportedly taken by a "Jehn Crumbley," according to a story from The Daily Beast.
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Four Oxford High School students were killed, while six other students and a teacher were injured when the 15-year-old student opened fire at the school on Nov. 30.
The teen and his parents are all isolated at the Oakland County Jail and are under suicide watch.
The prosecutor's office says Crumbley's father bought the gun that was used in the killing spree on Black Friday and it was "a Christmas present" for him.
Police were able to locate the parents thanks to tips from a business owner who spotted their vehicle near the building. The tipster could reportedly receive a reward of up to $10,000.
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