Colt Gray charged in Apalachee High School shooting, father faces firearm charges

Colt Gray, the 14-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, will remain in custody following a court hearing on Friday. 

According to the Associated Press (AP), Gray is charged with killing four people, including two students and two teachers, and injuring nine others in the attack. During the hearing, he was informed of the charges and penalties he faces. The judge initially misstated that Gray’s crimes could be punishable by death but later clarified that, as a juvenile, the maximum penalty he could face is life without parole. Gray’s next hearing is scheduled for December 4.

Shortly after, Gray’s father, Colin Gray, 54, appeared in court. The AP reported that he has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder for allowing his son to possess the firearm used in the shooting. During the hearing, Colin, dressed in a gray-striped jail uniform, answered questions softly, confirming his age and education level.

The shootings, according to AP, have reignited debates around gun storage laws. Colt Gray is accused of using a "black semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle" in the attack. The case follows a growing trend of parents being held accountable for their children's actions in school shootings, similar to the 2021 Michigan case involving the Crumbleys.

Schools across Georgia have ramped up security in response to threats following the attack.