During a recent hearing in Barrow County, investigators revealed chilling details about the events leading up to the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. The father of the accused teenager, Colin Gray, was aware of his son's deteriorating mental state and fascination with campus shootings.
Investigators testified that a notebook found in the Gray home contained disturbing drawings by Colt Gray, including stick figures with wounds and the phrase 'Shoot the teacher first.' It was also disclosed that Colin Gray had purchased the weapon used in the shooting as a Christmas gift for his son, despite knowing about his son's anger and anxiety issues.
The hearing shed light on overlooked signs of potential violence in the Gray household, such as Colt's shrine to school shootings and detailed plans for the attack found in his notebooks. The case is significant as it marks only the second time a parent has been charged in connection with a mass shooting by a minor in the United States.
Colin Gray now faces multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children, while Colt Gray, the 14-year-old accused shooter, will be tried as an adult for four counts of felony murder. Investigators testified about Colt's writings expressing depression, delirium, and a desire to die, as well as his fascination with guns and school shootings.
Despite efforts to seek counseling for Colt, including filling out forms and contacting school staff, the Grays failed to ensure their son received the necessary help. The day of the shooting, both parents received alarming text messages from Colt just before the incident, but their responses differed significantly.
Colin Gray's lack of remorse and apparent detachment from the situation after the shooting raised concerns, as did his knowledge of the rifle in his son's possession leading up to the tragic event. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Apalachee High School shooting and the troubling revelations that have emerged from the preliminary hearing.
