Father of Georgia School Shooter Testifies in Landmark Parental Liability Trial
Colin Gray, the father of accused Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray, has taken the stand in his own defense during a high-profile trial that could set a precedent for holding parents criminally accountable for their children's violent actions. The case, which concluded its second week on Friday, February 27, 2026, centers on whether Gray should bear responsibility for providing his son with the weapon used in a deadly mass shooting.
Prosecution's Case: Alleged Negligence and Planning
Prosecutors argue that Colin Gray should be held accountable for giving his then-14-year-old son a semiautomatic assault-style rifle as a Christmas gift, despite numerous alleged warning signs of the teenager's mental instability. They contend that this act directly enabled the tragic events of September 4, 2024, when Colt Gray carried out a meticulously planned attack at his school in Winder, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of two teachers, 39-year-old Richard Aspinwall and 53-year-old Cristina Irimie, along with two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. Additionally, another teacher and eight students were wounded in the assault.
Detailed Evidence Presented in Court
Investigators testified that Colin Gray had written step-by-step plans for the attack in a notebook, complete with diagrams and potential body counts, as revealed by a Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent during a hearing shortly after the incident. According to court documents, Colt Gray boarded a school bus with the rifle concealed in his book bag, the barrel protruding and wrapped in poster board. He later left his second-period class, emerged from a bathroom armed, and opened fire in classrooms and hallways.
Colin Gray now faces a total of 29 criminal counts, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter, as well as 25 counts of aggravated assault. Initially, reports indicated he faced 55 counts, but the current tally stands at 29, reflecting the severity of the charges.
Family Dynamics and Wider Legal Context
The trial has also featured testimony from Marcee Gray, the boy's mother, who stated that she repeatedly urged her husband to secure the family's firearms to prevent Colt from accessing them. The couple was separated for much of the period leading up to the shooting, and Marcee Gray has not been charged with any crimes.
This case is part of a growing national trend where prosecutors are increasingly pursuing legal action against parents in the aftermath of fatal school shootings committed by their children. It highlights ongoing debates about gun safety, parental responsibility, and mental health awareness in the United States.
As the trial continues, the outcome could influence future legal strategies in similar tragedies, potentially reshaping how society addresses the complex interplay between family oversight and violent acts by minors.
