Authorities have arrested and charged the father of the Apalachee High School shooting suspect in connection with a tragic incident that left four people dead, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Colin Gray, 54, faces multiple charges, including four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. His son, Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student, is accused of using an AR-15-style rifle to fatally shoot two students and two teachers during the incident on Wednesday. Nine others were injured, though they are expected to recover. Colt Gray has been charged with four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult.
The charges against Colin Gray arise from his decision to purchase the weapon used in the shooting as a gift for his son in December 2023. GBI Director Chris Hosey explained that the elder Gray “knowingly allowed” his son access to the weapon, which had been bought after authorities initially investigated the family due to an unsubstantiated tip about school shooting threats.
Wednesday’s incident marks the 45th school shooting of 2024, the deadliest since a March 2023 tragedy in Nashville. The shooting occurred around 10:20 a.m., just days after the new school year began. The shooter, Colt Gray, left his class, then attempted to re-enter with the firearm. After being refused entry by a classmate who saw the gun, he opened fire in a nearby classroom. Quick action from school resource officers led to his arrest.
The victims included two 14-year-old students, Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, as well as two beloved teachers: Cristina Irimie, 53, and assistant football coach Richard Aspinwall, 39. Their loss has devastated the community. Both teachers are remembered as caring individuals who made significant impacts on their students.
Authorities praised the school’s recently implemented safety protocols, including a panic button system that allowed staff to quickly alert law enforcement. This system likely prevented further loss of life.
Colt Gray remains in custody at a regional juvenile detention center, awaiting his first court appearance. He has been cooperating with authorities, according to the sheriff, and reportedly confessed to the crime during questioning. The investigation is ongoing as the community grapples with the aftermath of the horrific attack.
