2024 Apalachee High School shooting: Colin Gray has been found guilty on all counts.

 

On March 3, 2026, a Georgia jury found Colin Gray guilty on all charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with the September 2024 mass shooting at Apalachee High School committed by his son, Colt Gray.

Verdicts & Legal Proceedings

Guilty on All Counts: After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Gray of 27 felony counts:

Two counts of second-degree murder.

Two counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Several counts of second-degree cruelty to children and reckless conduct.

Sentencing: Gray faces a maximum of 180 years in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date to allow victims' families to provide statements.

Precedent: This case marks the first time an adult in Georgia has been held criminally responsible for a school shooting carried out by their child. Nationally, it follows the landmark convictions of James and Jennifer Crumbley in Michigan

Core Prosecution Arguments

Prosecutors successfully argued that Colin Gray provided the "detonator" for the tragedy by gifting his son an AR-style rifle for Christmas in 2023. 

Key evidence included:

Prior Warnings: In May 2023, the FBI and local authorities interviewed the Grays about online threats to a school. Despite this, Colin Gray bought the weapon for his son months later.

Unsecured Access: During the trial, evidence showed the rifle was kept unsecured and sometimes even in the 14-year-old's bedroom.

Ignored Red Flags: Prosecutors highlighted that Gray was aware of his son’s deteriorating mental health, obsession with school shooters (including a "shrine" to Nikolas Cruz), and history of violent outbursts.

Defense and Testimony

Colin Gray's Defense: Gray testified in his own defense, claiming he bought the gun to bond with his son through hunting and never believed the teen was a threat to others.

Family Testimony: Gray's daughter, Jenni, testified that her father had previously asked her to lie to law enforcement to cover for him.

His son, Colt Gray, faces 55 charges, including murder, and is currently awaiting his own trial, which is expected to proceed separately