The recent events at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, have left a community reeling and prompted significant legal actions. On September 6th, 14-year-old Colt Gray and his father, Colin Gray, made their first court appearances to face multiple charges related to the deadly shooting spree that claimed four lives and injured nine others.
Colt Gray stands accused of four counts of felony murder, among other charges. During his court appearance, Judge Currie Mingledorff informed the young suspect that he could face the death penalty if convicted by a jury. However, the judge later clarified that due to his age, Gray would not face execution. The 14-year-old, shackled and subdued, answered the judge’s questions with nods, making no verbal statements.
Colin Gray, 54, faces even more severe charges, including second-degree murder, manslaughter, and child cruelty. The judge stated that he could face up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all counts. Colin Gray appeared visibly distressed throughout his hearing, rocking back and forth in his chair.
The charges against the father stem from allegations that he allowed his son to possess an AR-15-style rifle, which was used in the attack. This case has drawn parallels to the 2021 Oxford, Michigan, school shooting, where the parents were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. However, the charges against Colin Gray are more severe, reflecting a potential shift in legal accountability for parents in cases of mass shootings.
Investigative documents reveal that in May 2023, local authorities questioned both the father and son about threats of a school shooting. These threats were traced to an account registered to Colin Gray, but no arrests were made due to insufficient evidence. Colin Gray had informed investigators that he was teaching his son about firearms and safety, and despite the prior threats, he later gifted his son an AR-15-style rifle.
The victims of this tragedy were identified as students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, and teachers
