Father of Apalachee High School Shooter Faces 180 Years in Prison

Colin Gray's son, Colt Gray, allegedly carried out a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in 2024.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Colin Gray, the father of the alleged shooter in the 2024 Apalachee High School mass shooting, faces 29 felony counts connected to the incident and up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all counts. Colt Gray, the son, has not yet had his trial date set and faces charges including four counts of malice murder.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding parental responsibility and liability when a child commits a mass shooting. It also raises questions about school security protocols and the challenges law enforcement can face in identifying a shooter during an active incident.

The details

A Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent testified that Colt Gray brought 103 rounds of ammunition to the school, fired 36 rounds, and left 67 rounds in the gun and several magazines. A knife and gun oil were also found in Colt Gray's backpack. Several witnesses testified about confusion surrounding the shooter's identity during the incident, with defense attorneys pointing out that school resource officers had no description of the shooter other than a 'white male'.

  • The mass shooting at Apalachee High School occurred on September 4, 2024.
  • Colin Gray's trial began on February 19, 2026.

The players

Colin Gray

The father of the alleged shooter, Colt Gray, who faces 29 felony counts connected to the Apalachee High School shooting and up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Colt Gray

The alleged shooter in the 2024 Apalachee High School mass shooting, who faces charges including four counts of malice murder.

Daniella Stuart

A Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent who testified about the evidence recovered after the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding parental responsibility and liability when a child commits a mass shooting, as well as the challenges law enforcement can face in identifying a shooter during an active incident.