The tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, has led to significant legal repercussions for both the 14-year-old suspect and his father. Colt Gray, the young suspect, and his father, Colin Gray, made their first appearances in state court on Friday, September 6th. The younger Gray faces severe charges, including four counts of felony murder, while his father is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, and child cruelty.
During the court proceedings, Colt Gray, who is being held without bond at the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center, did not enter a plea. Barrow County Superior Court 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 Colt Gray would not face execution due to his age. The 14-year-old, shackled and visibly constrained, responded to the judge’s questions with nods.
Colin Gray, the 54-year-old father, appeared separately in court. He faces allegations of allowing his son to possess a weapon, which prosecutors believe facilitated the tragic events. The charges against Colin Gray include four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children in the second degree. The judge stated that Colin Gray could face up to 180 years in prison if found guilty on all charges.
The court sessions were marked by heightened public interest, resulting in news cameras being allowed to record and livestream the hearings. Families of the victims filled the courtroom, with one woman clutching a stuffed Disney character, symbolizing the innocence lost in the tragedy.
The victims of the shooting were identified as Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14 years old, along with teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53. Another teacher and eight students sustained injuries during the attack.
Investigative documents reveal that local authorities had previously interviewed the father and son in May 2023 concerning threats of a school shooting. The threats had been traced to an account registered to Colin Gray, but no arrests were made at the time due to insufficient evidence linking the boy to the threats. 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 case has drawn comparisons to the 2021 Oxford, Michigan, school shooting, where the parents of the shooter were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. However, the charges against Colin Gray are more severe. Legal experts suggest that the case will hinge on whether the father consciously disregarded substantial and unjustifiable risks, thereby contributing to the tragic outcome.
Both the father and son are scheduled to return to court on December 4th, where the legal proceedings will continue to unfold.