Georgia School Shooting Suspect and Father Appear in Court on Murder and Involuntary Manslaughter Charges

The teenager accused of a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, made his first court appearance on Friday, facing multiple murder charges. Colt Gray, 14, is charged with four counts of felony murder and is being tried as an adult. He is also accused of wounding nine others during the shooting spree.
In the same court session, Colt’s father, Colin Gray, 54, was also brought before the judge. Colin faces 14 charges, including four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 180 years in prison. Reports indicate that Colin had given his son an AR-15 style rifle as a gift, which may have facilitated the shootings.
During his court appearance, Colt Gray, with his hands shackled and dyed blond hair, responded softly to the judge’s questions and is set to remain at the Gainesville Youth Detention Center. His next hearing is scheduled for December 4. The judge ruled that he would remain in custody without bond.
Colin Gray, who appeared in court shortly after his son, was seen rocking back and forth as the judge spoke. He too is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on December 4. His attorney did not request bond, and new legal representation will be assigned.
Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith revealed that additional charges are expected for Colt Gray in connection with the wounded victims, and further charges against Colin Gray are also possible. Smith noted that this is the first instance in Georgia’s history where a parent of a school shooting suspect has been charged in connection with the incident.
It was also revealed that Colt Gray’s mother, Marcee Gray, had legal issues in 2023, including family violence charges and drug-related offenses. She pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal damage of property and criminal trespass-family violence. Marcee also faces warrants for drug possession and other related charges from a November 2023 incident. Despite her legal troubles, authorities believe she is cooperating with the investigation into her son.