
How Deleted Messages Can Solve Your Investigation

Infographic: Through the Lens of the Oxford High School, MI Mass Shooting Case
Following the 2021 Oxford High School mass shooting in Michigan, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office uncovered pivotal evidence that led to groundbreaking charges against the shooter’s parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley.
Case Snapshot
- Accused of purchasing the gun used in the shooting, they were charged with involuntary manslaughter, marking the first time parents faced charges connected to a mass shooting.
- With numerous mobile devices involved, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald and her team needed specialized support to build their case.
- The national spotlight intensified as McDonald’s team navigated unprecedented legal territory, diligently working to secure a conviction against the Crumbleys.
Deleted messages played a critical role in this case, as it suggested there was a deliberate decision to hide information that once existed on a device. While it was essential to quickly recover the data, the following infographic illustrates it was equally crucial to organize these messages chronologically, constructing a clear timeline that highlighted key interactions and events.