BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — After a tragedy unfolded earlier this week, when a teen gunman allegedly opened fire on his fellow classmates and teachers at Apalachee High School, his father also faced the consequences.
During his first court appearance on Friday, Colt Gray stood before the judge, answering "Yes sir" when asked to confirm his identity. He faces four felony murder charges related to the deaths of two teachers and two students during Wednesday's shooting. One other teacher and eight students were also injured in the attack.
Immediately following Colt's appearance, his father, Colin Gray, was brought before the judge. Colin is facing charges of four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.
Colin is not accused of directly harming the victims. Still, former Fulton County homicide prosecutor Tanya Miller explained that his charges likely stem from allowing Colt's access to the firearm used in the shooting.
According to Colin’s arrest warrant, new details reveal he knowingly supplied an AR-15-style weapon to his son despite “knowing he posed a danger to himself and others.”
The charges are less severe than those his son is facing, but Miller believes they reflect a perception of Colin's possible negligence.
"What we're seeing here is a message from law enforcement," Miller said. "If someone has access to your gun, and you know they're a risk, then you are responsible for the consequences."
Miller added that while charging a parent in connection with a child's actions is not common, it is not unheard of in situations involving negligence.
"The father committed an unlawful act…not a felony and death resulted…so dad commits something unlawful…probably a misdemeanor and as a result of that reckless conduct someone died."
Next Steps
Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brad Smith, who leads the case, confirmed that Colt's case will go before a grand jury in October.
Additional charges may be brought against Colt as investigators continue to interview the other victims who were injured in the shooting.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains shaken by the events at Apalachee High School, with many awaiting further details as the case progresses.