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Georgia School Shooter Colt Gray: Details of the Apalachee High School Shooting

Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Sep 19, 2024
In Short

Colt Gray, a 14-year-old Georgia school shooter, allegedly carried out a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia on September 4, 2024. The Apalachee High School shooting resulted in four deaths and nine injuries. Gray had a history of behavioral issues and made online threats prior to the incident. The Colt Gray mass shooting involved an AR-15 rifle provided by his father, Colin Gray, who now faces charges for supplying the weapon. This Georgia school shooter Colt Gray case highlights the tragic consequences of unchecked behavioral issues and easy access to firearms.

Details of the shooting

  • Incident overview: On September 4, 2024, Georgia school shooter Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student, allegedly carried out the Apalachee High School shooting in Winder, Georgia, killing four people and injuring nine others

  • Victims: The Colt Gray mass shooting resulted in the deaths of:

    • Math teachers Cristina Irimie and Richard Aspinwall
    • 14-year-old students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn
  • Timeline: The Apalachee High School shooting began at approximately 10:20 a.m., with the 911 call center in Barrow County becoming inundated with calls shortly after

  • Weapon used: Georgia school shooter Colt Gray allegedly used an assault-style rifle concealed in his backpack, which he had brought to school on the bus that day

Background on Colt Gray

  • Behavioral issues:

    • Georgia school shooter Colt Gray had been absent from school for nine days between August 14 and the day of the Apalachee High School shooting
    • He had a history of making references to violence at school, which teachers had noticed and reported
  • Mental health concerns:

    • Colt Gray had expressed homicidal and suicidal thoughts a week before the mass shooting
    • His family was discussing his mental state with the school prior to the incident
  • Previous threats: In 2023, police investigated Georgia school shooter Colt Gray after the FBI was tipped off about alleged threats to shoot up a middle school made on Discord

  • Bullying: Colt Gray's father claimed his son was ridiculed by classmates and frequently called "gay"

Family background

  • Father's involvement:

    • Colin Gray, 54, allegedly supplied the AR-15 rifle used in the Apalachee High School shooting as a Christmas present in December 2023
    • He faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children
  • Mother's warning:

    • Marcee Gray called the school counselor on the day of the Colt Gray mass shooting, warning of an "extreme emergency" involving her son
    • She urged the school to urgently locate Colt for a check-in
  • Family issues:

    • Georgia school shooter Colt Gray's family life was marked by abuse, neglect, and mental health struggles
    • His mother had multiple drug and domestic violence arrests

School and law enforcement response

  • Immediate response:

    • The 911 call center was overwhelmed with over 500 calls about the Apalachee High School shooting
    • Many callers received an automated message due to "high call volume"
  • School's actions:

    • A school administrator went to Colt Gray's math classroom shortly before the mass shooting but couldn't locate him
    • The school had been in discussions with Gray's family about his mental state in the week leading up to the shooting
  • Previous investigation: In May 2023, authorities questioned Georgia school shooter Colt Gray and his father about online threats but closed the investigation after being unable to substantiate the claims

  • Charges against Colt Gray: The 14-year-old Georgia school shooter is facing murder charges for the deaths of the four victims in the Apalachee High School shooting

  • Charges against Colin Gray: Colt Gray's father faces up to 180 years in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter and other charges related to supplying the weapon used in the mass shooting

Prevention and policy implications

  • Child access prevention laws: Georgia had a "Reckless Provision" law in 2023 aimed at reducing children's access to firearms, but it may not have been sufficient to prevent the Colt Gray mass shooting

  • School safety measures: The Apalachee High School shooting highlights potential gaps in school security and the need for improved protocols for identifying and addressing student behavioral issues

  • Mental health support: The case of Georgia school shooter Colt Gray underscores the importance of providing adequate mental health resources and support for students exhibiting concerning behaviors

FAQ

Who is Colt Gray and what did he do?

Colt Gray is a 14-year-old Georgia school shooter who allegedly carried out the Apalachee High School shooting on September 4, 2024. He is accused of killing four people and injuring nine others in this mass shooting incident.

What were the details of the Apalachee High School shooting?

The Apalachee High School shooting occurred on September 4, 2024, in Winder, Georgia. Colt Gray allegedly used an assault-style rifle, killing two teachers and two students. The shooting began around 10:20 a.m., and the local 911 call center was quickly overwhelmed with calls.

What led to the Colt Gray mass shooting?

Factors contributing to the Colt Gray mass shooting include his history of behavioral issues, online threats, and mental health concerns. Gray had expressed homicidal and suicidal thoughts a week before the incident, and his family was discussing his mental state with the school prior to the shooting.

How did Colt Gray obtain the weapon used in the shooting?

Colt Gray's father, Colin Gray, allegedly supplied the AR-15 rifle used in the Apalachee High School shooting as a Christmas present in December 2023. Colin Gray now faces charges related to providing the weapon used in the mass shooting.

What were the consequences of the Georgia school shooter Colt Gray's actions?

Colt Gray is facing murder charges for the deaths of four victims in the Apalachee High School shooting. His father, Colin Gray, faces up to 180 years in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter and other charges related to supplying the weapon. The incident has also sparked discussions about school safety measures and mental health support for students.