14-Year-Old Suspected Shooter and Father Face Charges in Georgia Court
A 14-year-old Georgia teenager, Colt Gray, charged with the tragic killing of four people at his high school, made his first court appearance on Friday. Colt, now facing four counts of felony murder, could face life imprisonment if convicted. The horrifying shooting, which took place at Apalachee High School on Wednesday, left two teachers and two students dead, and nine others wounded.
Standing before Barrow County Superior Court Judge Currie Mingledorff, Colt did not enter a plea. Shackled and somber, he answered the judge’s questions with brief nods, while his attorney remained by his side. Mingledorff initially mentioned the possibility of the death penalty but quickly corrected himself, clarifying that Colt, being a minor, is not eligible for capital punishment.
Roughly 40 minutes after Colt left the courtroom, his father, Colin Gray, also appeared before the same judge. The 54-year-old father is facing multiple charges, including four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. He is accused of enabling his son to acquire the semiautomatic rifle used in the attack. If convicted on all charges, Colin could face up to 180 years in prison.
Colin Gray, shackled and visibly distressed, quietly answered the judge’s questions during his hearing. He rocked back and forth during much of the proceeding, seemingly overwhelmed by the gravity of the charges against him.
Investigators have yet to reveal what may have motivated the deadly shooting spree. However, the use of a semiautomatic “AR platform-style” rifle has reignited national debates about gun control, particularly concerning firearm access for minors.
The victims of the shooting were identified as 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, along with teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53. As the investigation continues, the community of Winder, Georgia, is grappling with the aftermath of this horrific tragedy, mourning the lives lost and demanding answers.
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14-Year-Old Suspected Shooter and Father Face Charges in Georgia Court
