Winder, GA — On a tragic Wednesday morning, Marcee Gray, over 200 miles away from Apalachee High School, received a disturbing text from her 14-year-old son Colt Gray, which read, “I’m sorry, mom.” Sensing something was amiss, she immediately contacted the school, urging administrators to locate and check on her son amid her rising fears.
During an interview, Marcee Gray recounted the disconcerting discussion with a school counselor who disclosed that Colt had previously made unsettling references to school shootings. Despite her urgent pleas, the response from the school was not as swift as she had hoped. Later that day, the community of Winder was rocked by a school shooting that left two students and two teachers dead, with several others injured.
Authorities have since charged Colt Gray with four counts of felony murder, and he is set to be tried as an adult. His father, Colin Gray, 54, faces multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children, for allegedly allowing his son access to firearms.
Following the incident, Marcee Gray and Colt’s grandfather made a desperate drive to Winder. Still in shock, Marcee Gray expressed her unconditional love for her son in a media interview, despite the severe actions attributed to him.
The investigation has revealed that earlier on the same day, an unidentified caller had alerted the school about potential shootings across five schools, indicating Apalachee High School as the initial target. Yet, reports have emerged about possible confusion during the incident, as a student sharing a similar name to Colt’s was mistakenly questioned and temporarily pulled from class.
The community response has been a mix of grief and concern, with schools in the district reopening with heightened security measures and added mental health support. Dr. Dallas LeDuff, superintendent of Barrow County School System, emphasized the district’s responsibility in providing a safe environment amid challenging times.
Further complicating the narrative, Colt’s grandfather places significant blame on Colin Gray, accusing him of contributing to the tragedy by enabling his son’s access to weapons, including an AR-15-style rifle. This focus on family dynamics and access to firearms underlines broader issues surrounding youth and gun ownership.
Prior warnings about Colt’s behavior had surfaced months before the tragedy. In May, the FBI received a tip-off about potential threats made by Colt against schools, but local law enforcement was unable to substantiate the claims. Additionally, a social media video has been uncovered, showing Colt on a deer hunt, which raises questions about his early exposure to firearms and shooting activities.
As this complex case unfolds, the community of Winder, along with law enforcement and the families involved, grapples with the heartbreak of the event and pertinent questions about the intersection of youth mental health, parental responsibility, and school safety.