Winder, GA — Disturbing details have emerged from Winder, Georgia, where 14-year-old Colt Gray is accused of a horrific school shooting at Apalachee High School that left four dead and nine injured last week. Previously unseen bodycam footage from a police interview over a year prior to the tragedy shows the teenager and his father discussing firearms and alleged online threats.
Colt Gray now faces four counts of felony murder, while his father, Colin Gray, has been charged with accessory crimes, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Both appeared in a Barrow County courtroom on Friday, where they were denied bail.
During the tragic incident at Apalachee High School, Colt Gray allegedly murdered two classmates, both 14, and two teachers, aged 39 and 53. The charges against his father mark a significant legal precedent in Georgia; he is the first parent in the state to be held criminally accountable for his child’s alleged actions in a school shooting.
The bodycam video, dated back to May 2023, was recorded when deputies responded to a tip about potential threats Colt had made online, discussing a school shooting and displaying pictures of guns. Despite this, the FBI stated that there was not enough evidence at the time to warrant an arrest.
In the footage, Colin Gray emphasizes his efforts to educate his son on gun safety, stating he taught Colt the severe implications and responsibilities of handling weapons. He shared that they often engaged in hunting activities together. However, the elder Gray expressed surprise at the accusations against his son, vehemently denying awareness of any real threat.
Legal experts point to this case as part of a growing trend where parents are being held accountable for their children’s actions, particularly following a similar case in Michigan where parents were convicted after their son committed a school shooting.
The username connected to Colt Gray’s online threats translated to the name of a past school shooter, raising alarm among investigators. However, Colt denied the allegations, asserting that he hadn’t used the account for months and primarily used social media for entertainment like watching videos on TikTok.
The video recording also captured Colin Gray discussing recent challenges in the family’s life, including a separation from his wife and eviction from their home. He mentioned these events had been difficult for Colt, suggesting they might have affected his behavior.
Further complicating the day of the shooting, Colt’s mother, Marcee Gray, reportedly made an urgent phone call to the school counselor, declaring an emergency and insisting that her son needed to be located immediately. This call took place just minutes before the violence began.
Investigators continue to unravel the events leading to the tragic shooting as the community and nation grapple with yet another incident of school violence and debate over parental responsibilities and gun access. The tragedy at Apalachee High School reiterates the ongoing issues surrounding gun safety and the psychological well-being of young students across the United States.