Apalachee Shooting Suspect Obsessed with Parkland Incident, Jury Told

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Before carrying out the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia that killed four and injured several others, the suspect Colt Gray was obsessed with studying other school shooters, including the perpetrator of the Parkland, Florida mass shooting, according to defense attorneys. Gray had even sent money to the person convicted in the Parkland attack, and had originally planned the Apalachee shooting to coincide with the anniversary of the Parkland tragedy.

Why it matters

This case highlights the troubling phenomenon of copycat school shootings, where perpetrators become fixated on and inspired by previous high-profile attacks. It also raises questions about the role of mental health, access to firearms, and the need for improved security and intervention measures in schools.

The details

Defense attorneys revealed that Colt Gray, the suspect in the Apalachee High School shooting, had obsessively studied other school shooters, including the perpetrator of the 2018 Parkland, Florida mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Gray had even sent money to the person convicted in the Parkland attack. The defense also said Gray had originally planned the Apalachee shooting to coincide with the anniversary of the Parkland tragedy.

• The Apalachee High School shooting occurred on September 4, 2024.
• The Parkland, Florida shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School took place in 2018.

What’s next

The trial of Colt Gray is ongoing, and the jury will continue to hear evidence and testimony about his motivations and planning for the Apalachee High School shooting.