What Are the Accusations Against Father of Georgia School Shooting Suspect That Led to Arrest on Murder Charges?

Mar. 15, 2025

Colin Gray.Photo:Brynn Anderson-Pool/Getty

Brynn Anderson-Pool/Getty

Colin Gray, 54, has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children after the Sept. 4 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., that left two students and two teachers dead, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said onX(formerly Twitter).

Colin’s charges stem from “Mr. Gray knowingly allowing his son Colt to possess a weapon,” authorities said at a Sept. 5 press conference.

The father and son made their first court appearances on Friday, Sept. 6. According toCNN, Colt is expected to face additional charges after investigators speak with the injured victims, Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith said.

A judge ruled Colt will not face the death penalty since he is under 18, CNN reported, adding that his preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 4. As for Colin, the judge said he could face up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all counts, per the outlet.

Colt Gray (left) and Colin Gray.HANDOUT/Barrow County Sheriff’s Office/AFP via Getty (2)

HANDOUT/Barrow County Sheriff’s Office/AFP via Getty (2)

“Second-degree murder is different in Georgia than in other states. It’s a rather new charge, and it is specifically geared towards cruelty to children in the second degree,” Smith said of Colin’s charges on Friday, perCNN. “If you commit cruelty to children in the second degree that causes death, that is second-degree murder.”

Colt Gray.BRYNN ANDERSON/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

BRYNN ANDERSON/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

“The father stated he had hunting guns in the house, but the subject did not have unsupervised access to them. The subject denied making the threats online,” the FBI said.

According to the FBI, there was no probable cause for an arrest or any further law enforcement action, but local schools were notified for “continued monitoring of the subject.”

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The school shootingclaimed the livesof students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both 14, and teachers Richard Aspenwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53.

Clockwise from top left: Christian Angulo, Richard Aspinwall, Christina Irimie, Mason Schermerhorn.

The nine others who were injuredin the shooting are expected to make a “full recovery,” authorities said.

At a press conference earlier this week, Barrow County County Sheriff Jud Smith called the shooting “pure evil.” A motive remains under investigation.

source: people.com