New twist in Apalachee High School tragedy: Teen’s father charged with murder—Here’s what we know

The father of the 14-year-old suspect involved in a deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder. Colin Gray, 54, was taken into custody after authorities linked him to the tragic incident involving his son, Colt Gray, who allegedly carried out the shooting that left four people dead and nine others injured.

Key Details of the Arrest

Colin Gray is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. The charges against him stem from accusations that he knowingly allowed his son to possess a weapon, which was used in the attack. Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Director Chris Hosey explained that these charges directly relate to Colin Gray’s alleged failure to prevent his son from accessing firearms, specifically a high-powered rifle that was reportedly given to Colt as a gift in 2023. This rifle was later used in the shooting at Apalachee High School on September 4, 2024.

In Georgia, second-degree murder is defined as causing the death of another person while committing second-degree cruelty to children, without regard to intent. This charge carries a potential prison sentence of 10 to 30 years. Involuntary manslaughter, meanwhile, involves unintentionally causing the death of another person, a charge that could result in further legal consequences for Colin Gray.

The Shooting Incident

The shooting at Apalachee High School resulted in the deaths of two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, and two teachers, Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53. Nine other individuals, including eight students and one teacher, were wounded in the attack. All injured victims are expected to survive. Colt Gray has been charged as an adult with four counts of felony murder and is scheduled to appear in court for his first hearing on Friday. His father has not yet been scheduled for court proceedings.

The investigation revealed that Colt Gray had been interviewed by law enforcement in the past due to a tip from the FBI about a potential threat he allegedly made on a social media platform. However, no charges were filed at the time due to inconsistent evidence regarding the account used for the threatening message.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

The school shooting has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the community and beyond. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has ordered flags to be lowered to honor the victims. Additionally, more than $100,000 was raised within hours for the families affected by the shooting, showing strong community solidarity in the face of tragedy.

As investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the shooting, questions remain about potential warning signs and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy. Family members of the suspect have expressed shock and are grappling with the aftermath, while the broader community debates issues around gun control and school safety measures.

The arrest of Colin Gray marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the Apalachee High School shooting. The charges against him underline the potential legal ramifications for parents or guardians in cases where firearms are made accessible to minors. As the community mourns the loss of students and teachers, authorities continue to seek justice and prevent future tragedies of this nature.