Winder, Georgia – The father of a 14-year-old boy accused of carrying out a mass shooting at a Georgia high school has pleaded not guilty to a series of charges. Colin Gray, 54, did not appear in court, but his lawyers entered the plea on his behalf and waived a formal arraignment. He faces 29 charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter, cruelty to children, and reckless conduct in connection with his son’s attack at Appalache High School on September 4.
Prosecutors have painted Gray as a neglectful father who ignored his son’s declining mental health and growing fascination with school shootings. Allegations include allowing his son access to the AR-style rifle used in the attack despite knowing the boy posed a threat to himself and others. Testimonies revealed that the father even bought a laser sight, tactical vest, and ammunition for his son before the shooting.
During a preliminary hearing, an investigator described how the 14-year-old had a shrine in his bedroom dedicated to previous school shootings, including a photo of Nikolas Cruz from the 2018 Parkland, Florida, shooting. Gray’s actions, or lack thereof, on the morning of the shooting have also been brought to light, as he did not alert the high school even after receiving alarming texts from his son.
The charges against Gray came two months after his son unleashed a deadly attack at the high school, killing two classmates and two teachers while injuring several others. Security footage revealed how the teen concealed the rifle inside a poster board on a school bus before unleashing it upon students and staff, causing chaos and tragedy.
Gray’s son, Colt Gray, is currently facing charges and remains detained without bond at the Barrow County Detention Center. The case marks a significant development as it is rare for a parent of an alleged school shooter to face murder charges. This indictment, along with previous cases like the one involving the parents of the Oxford, Michigan student Ethan Crumbley, highlights the importance of holding parents accountable for their children’s actions in school shootings. Actions or inactions that may contribute to such tragic events are not taken lightly in the eyes of the law.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community grapples with the aftermath and seeks justice for the lives lost and impacted by the horrific incident at Appalache High School.