Colin Gray trial: Prosecutors argue father's actions central to case

Day 4 focuses on warnings, DFCS history, Discord threat and father's response

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The fourth day of testimony in the trial of Colin Gray shifted the jury's focus to years of warning signs, school discipline issues, child welfare investigations, and a prior FBI tip about an online threat — as prosecutors continue to argue that Gray's own actions, not just his son's, are at the center of this case. Gray is charged with murder, manslaughter, and multiple related counts stemming from the Sept. 4, 2024, shooting at Apalachee High School.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding parental responsibility and access to firearms, especially when there are prior warning signs and involvement from child welfare agencies. The outcome could set a precedent for how courts view a parent's role in preventing school violence.

The details

Prosecutors allege Gray's recklessness allowed his son access to a firearm despite prior warning signs. Testimony included body cam footage of Gray discussing efforts to get his son into counseling, emails reflecting communication gaps between the school system and the family, and details of prior DFCS investigations and behavioral concerns. A 2022 FBI tip about a threat to "shoot up a school" made through the Discord app was also a focus of the testimony.

  • On Sept. 4, 2024, the shooting at Apalachee High School occurred.
  • In 2022, the FBI received a tip about a threat to "shoot up a school" made through the Discord app.
  • In 2021, there was a DFCS referral involving an allegation that Colt's mother had slapped him.
  • Since 2022, there were multiple disciplinary incidents at Colt's schools, including vandalism and attendance issues.

The players

Colin Gray

The father of Colt Gray, who is charged with murder, manslaughter, and multiple related counts stemming from the Sept. 4, 2024, shooting at Apalachee High School.

Colt Gray

The son of Colin Gray, who is accused of carrying out the shooting at Apalachee High School on Sept. 4, 2024.

Jennie Persinger

The director of data and accountability for Barrow County Schools, who testified about Colt Gray's enrollment history.

Sujette Giddens

A social worker who testified that a school resource officer had been sent to the Gray home after concerns surfaced, and that Colt had searched topics including abuse and "how to kill your dad."

Shonda Goolsby

A DFCS worker who testified about a 2021 referral involving an allegation that Colt's mother had slapped him.

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What they’re saying

“We're trying to get him into counseling... I filled out some paperwork the other day for a third-party counselor to get involved.”

— Colin Gray (Body camera footage)

“Colt had searched topics including abuse and allegedly "how to kill your dad.”

— Sujette Giddens, Social worker (Testimony)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Colin Gray out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding parental responsibility and access to firearms, especially when there are prior warning signs and involvement from child welfare agencies. The outcome could set a precedent for how courts view a parent's role in preventing school violence.