In a significant development following the tragic Apalachee High School shooting in Winder, Georgia, authorities have arrested Colin Gray, 54, the father of the 14-year-old suspect, Colt Gray. Colin Gray faces serious charges including four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.The charges stem from allegations that Colin Gray ‘knowingly’ allowed his son to possess the weapon used in the attack. Reports suggest that the AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting was purchased as a Christmas gift for Colt last December, months after the FBI had investigated him for online threats to commit a school shooting.The shooting, which occurred on September 4, resulted in the deaths of two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and two teachers, Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53. Nine others were injured in the attack.New details have emerged about Colt Gray’s troubled home life. Court records indicate a tumultuous family situation, with his father admitting to having guns in the house but claiming they were unloaded. Colin Gray had reportedly taken Colt hunting to encourage outdoor activities over video games.The incident has reignited debates on gun control and parental responsibility. Josh Sugarmann, executive director of the Violence Policy Center, stated, ‘This tragedy has opened the debate on the possible charges of negligence that parents or guardians of young suspects of crimes may face if they allow or do not ensure the safekeeping of weapons’.Authorities are continuing their investigation, with Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, emphasizing, ‘This is a very serious investigation’. Colt Gray has been charged with four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult.
Key points
- Colin Gray, father of the Apalachee High School shooter, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts including involuntary manslaughter and child cruelty.
- The AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting was allegedly a Christmas gift from the father to his son.
- The incident has sparked renewed debate on gun control and parental responsibility in the United States.
- Colt Gray, the 14-year-old suspect, will be tried as an adult on four counts of felony murder.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of injured victims, with some sources citing nine and others mentioning eight.
👾Some reports state that Colin Gray claimed the guns in the house were unloaded, while others suggest he knowingly allowed his son to possess the weapon.
