Georgia Judge Grants Father Of School Shooter 0,000 Bond

Colin Gray, 54, the father of Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray, 14, enters the Barrow County courthouse for his first appearance, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Winder, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anders

A Georgia judge has granted a $500,000 bond to the father of the Apalachee High School shooting suspect. The suspect, Colt Gray, aged 14, allegedly opened fire inside the high school on Sept. 4, 2024, resulting in the tragic deaths of two teachers and two 14-year-old students.

Colt Gray has pleaded not guilty to 55 criminal counts, including 25 counts of aggravated assault. His father, Colin Gray, aged 54, has also pleaded not guilty to 29 criminal counts, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Colin Gray is accused of purchasing the AR-15-style firearm that his son allegedly used in the shooting. To secure his release from jail, he must pay at least $50,000 in cash as part of the $500,000 bond.

Father Faces Multiple Charges, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

Georgia Judge Grants $500,000 Bond to Colin Gray, father of a school shooter.

Emotional Opposition from victims' families, but the judge emphasizes the legal requirement for bond consideration.

Prosecutors had requested a $1 million bond for Colin Gray, citing concerns about the safety of his wife and other children, who are expected to testify at trial. However, Colin Gray's attorney argued that his client does not pose a threat to the community.

During the court hearing, impact statements from victims of the shooting were presented. Jerry McIlhenny, the grandfather of victim Taylor Jones, expressed the ongoing challenges faced by his granddaughter, who still carries a bullet wound from the incident.

Breanna Schermerhorn, the mother of victim Mason Schermerhorn, shared the personal struggles she has endured since the loss of her son, describing him as an amazing individual. She emphasized that Colin Gray should not have any influence on children moving forward.

It is noteworthy that Georgia is among the 42 states in the U.S. that hold parents criminally accountable for their children's actions. This legal framework has been highlighted in recent cases, such as the sentencing of the parents of the Oxford High School shooter in Michigan to serve prison time for their involvement in the tragic incident.

The trials of parents in such cases are considered historic, setting new precedents in the legal landscape regarding parental responsibility in instances of mass shootings.