Colt Gray and Father Face Murder Charges in Georgia High School Shooting

Colt Gray spotted in Barrow County Courthouse

Colt Gray spotted in Barrow County Courthouse (Reuters )

A 14-year-old boy and his father appeared in court for the first time on Friday, facing charges related to a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Colt Gray, a student at the school, and his father, Colin Gray, 54, were arrested following the incident on Wednesday that left four people dead and nine others wounded.

Colt Gray is charged with four counts of first-degree murder. His father, Colin Gray, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and child cruelty, stemming from allegations that he allowed his son to possess an AR-15 rifle.

The victims of the shooting were identified as Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53. The injured include one teacher and eight students.

During the court appearance, the judge initially stated that the maximum penalty for Colt Gray’s charges was death or life in prison. However, he later clarified that under-18s cannot be executed. The judge also acknowledged the heightened public interest in the case, allowing news cameras to record and livestream the hearings.

Colt Gray, wearing a green t-shirt, spoke little during the hearing, acknowledging only that he understood the charges against him. His father, Colin Gray, appeared distressed at times, rocking back and forth after the judge spoke. The judge informed Colin Gray that he faced a total of 180 years in prison for his charges.

Both defendants were informed of their right to a “speedy and public trial by judge or jury.” Neither requested a bond, and no pleas were entered. They will remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court again on December 4.

Families of the victims were present in the courtroom, with one woman holding a stuffed animal of a Disney character. The court appearances marked the first for the Grays since their arrest.

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