The father of a 14-year-old boy accused of carrying out a fatal school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia is facing serious charges.
According to prosecutors, Colin Gray, the father, was aware that his son, Colt, had an unhealthy obsession with past school shootings.
At a recent court hearing, investigators disclosed that the father knew Colt had set up a shrine above his home computer, featuring photos of infamous school shooters, including Nikolas Cruz, the gunman responsible for the 2018 massacre in Parkland, Florida.
Evidence presented in court revealed that Colin had given Colt the assault-style weapon used in the attack as a Christmas gift.
The shooting, which took place on September 4, left four people dead, including two students and two teachers.
Despite Colt’s deteriorating mental state leading up to the event, his father continued to provide him with ammunition and other firearm accessories.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Agent Kelsey Ward testified that Colin Gray asked his son about the photos hanging on his wall.
Colt mentioned that one of the images was of Nikolas Cruz. Authorities later discovered a notebook Colt left at the school with chilling details.
It included headings like “hallway” and “classroom,” followed by estimates of potential casualties. In the hallway section, Colt estimated 3-4 people would be killed, while in the classroom, he wrote about killing 15-17 individuals.
In court, family members were also interviewed, including Colt’s mother, Marcee Gray. She confirmed that Colt’s fascination with guns had become severe over the past year.
At one point, Colt even asked his father to buy him a “shooter mask,” which he joked was to complete his “school shooter outfit.”
Despite these alarming signs, Colt’s parents initially thought their son’s behavior was merely a joke. They did not perceive it as a serious threat.
However, investigators argue that Colin’s actions, including giving his son a larger magazine for the gun, contributed to the tragedy.
Barrow County Sheriff’s investigator Jason Smith testified that Colin agreed to his son’s requests for the weapon and ammunition, despite the clear warning signs.
As a result, Colin Gray now faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder.
Arrest warrants state that he knowingly provided a firearm to Colt, despite being aware of the potential danger his son posed to himself and others.
In a recent court session, the judge ruled that the prosecutors had enough evidence to move forward with the case against Colin Gray.
It will now proceed to Superior Court. Defense attorneys for Gray, Jimmy Berry and Brian Hobbs, did not make any statements during the hearing but questioned witnesses instead.
The case has reignited discussions on gun safety and the responsibility of parents to secure firearms.
Related News:
- Family-Of-Menendez-Brothers-Calls-For-Justice-And-Their-Release
- Shocking Plea: Mother Who Killed Her Sons in Cold Blood to Admit Guilt!
Many are drawing comparisons to the Michigan case of Jennifer and James Crumbley, who were convicted and sentenced to prison for their role in a school shooting committed by their son in 2021.
The ongoing debate emphasizes the importance of safe storage laws and the need for parents to recognize warning signs in their children’s behavior.
Previously, Colt Gray denied any plans for a school shooting when questioned by authorities about a threatening social media post.
The post, however, had insufficient evidence to warrant an arrest at the time. Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum reviewed the report and concluded that the evidence was not enough for charges.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.
