BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — Brad Smith, the district attorney for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, which includes Barrow County, spoke at a press conference Friday to outline the next steps in the prosecution of 14-year-old Colt Gray and his father, Colin Gray, following a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School that left two students and two teachers dead.
Smith said additional charges will be brought against suspected gunman Colt Gray as the investigation continues. When Colt Gray was initially taken into custody, the identities and conditions of the other victims were not fully known, delaying the filing of certain charges, Smith said.
Colt Gray is facing four counts of felony murder. The DA said additional charges will be filed as more information becomes available and victims have had time to heal.
Colt Gray's father, Colin Gray, 54, was arrested a day after the shooting and charged with involuntary manslaughter, child abuse, and two counts of second-degree murder related to the deaths of two children in the shooting. DA Smith explained that second-degree murder in Georgia differs from other states, as it is based on cruelty to children in the second degree, leading to death.
What are the next steps?
According to Smith, the next legal step in the process will be a grand jury hearing scheduled for Oct. 17. This closed-door proceeding will determine the next phase of the charges. Smith emphasized that while new charges against Colt Gray are certain, charges against Colin Gray may depend on the outcome of the investigation.
"We will probably wait until the investigation is complete (before filing additional charges,)" Smith said, emphasizing that they want to ensure all charges are brought at once.
Smith also highlighted the unprecedented nature of the case, noting that it is only the second time in the U.S. and the first time in Georgia that a parent has been charged in connection with a school shooting involving their child.
During the press conference, Smith acknowledged the emotional toll on the victims' families and the broader community, stating that everyone affected by the tragedy is considered a victim. "I feel the weight of all of that," he said.
Smith thanked local law enforcement and state agencies for their assistance, along with Governor Brian Kemp, who has offered resources to help the county manage the case.
Both Colt and Colin Gray remain in custody. Colt is being held at the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center, while Colin is in the Barrow County Detention Center. As the case proceeds, officials continue to investigate whether further charges will be filed.
