Apalachee High School Shooting Trial Reveals Lasting Trauma

Emotional testimony from injured students and witnesses paints a devastating picture of the attack's impact.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On the second day of Colin Gray's trial in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School, emotional testimony from injured students and witnesses revealed the lasting trauma of the attack. Prosecutors presented evidence of the severity of injuries, while uninjured students also described severe psychological trauma. Colin Gray is facing 29 felony counts for allegedly allowing his 14-year-old son, Colt Gray, access to a weapon despite warning signs.

Why it matters

The Apalachee High School shooting has had a profound and lasting impact on the community, with victims and witnesses still grappling with the trauma. The trial sheds light on the devastating consequences of gun violence in schools and the importance of addressing mental health and safety concerns to prevent such tragedies.

The details

Prosecutors presented evidence through medical professionals and law enforcement, including graphic photographs of gunshot wounds and the blood-stained shorts of one victim. Beyond the physically injured, the testimony revealed that uninjured students also suffered severe trauma, with text messages showing students saying goodbye to their families.

  • The shooting occurred at Apalachee High School in 2024.
  • The trial of Colin Gray, the father of the alleged shooter, began on February 18, 2026.

The players

Colin Gray

The father of the alleged shooter, Colt Gray, who is facing 29 felony counts for allegedly allowing his son access to a weapon despite warning signs.

Colt Gray

The 14-year-old alleged shooter, who has not yet had his trial date set and faces charges including four counts of malice murder.

Natalie

A student who was shot in the wrist and shoulder during the attack.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was like time stopped; everything was moving quickly and slowly.”

— Natalie, Student (Atlanta News First)

“I wanted them to know that if I did die, I loved them.”

— Student (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

The jury of eight men and seven women is expected to hear three weeks of testimony. If convicted on all counts, Colin Gray faces up to 180 years in prison.

The takeaway

The Apalachee High School shooting trial has revealed the devastating and lasting impact of gun violence in schools, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health concerns and implementing measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.