Mother testifies she urged Colin Gray to lock up guns before Apalachee High shooting

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The trial of Colin Gray, whose son Colt Gray is accused of killing four people and injuring nine others in a 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, entered its seventh day on Tuesday. Marcee Gray, the mother of Colt Gray, testified that she had urged Colin Gray to lock up the guns in their home, but he initially said he would do so and then did not. Marcee Gray also testified that she had limited contact with her son Colt after relocating with two of her three children in late 2022, and that Colt had faced mounting problems at school, including an FBI investigation, prior to the shooting.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex family dynamics and warning signs that can precede a tragic school shooting, as well as the ongoing debate around gun safety and parental responsibility in such cases.

The details

According to the testimony, Marcee Gray said she urged Colin Gray, her estranged husband, to lock up the guns in their home northeast of Atlanta so they would not be accessible to their son Colt. However, Colin Gray initially said he would do so but then did not. Marcee Gray also testified that she had limited contact with Colt after relocating with two of her three children in late 2022, and that Colt had faced mounting problems at school, including an FBI investigation, prior to the shooting.

• In late 2022, Marcee Gray relocated with two of her three children.
• In May 2024, the FBI investigated threats Colt Gray had made at school.
• On September 4, 2024, Colt Gray allegedly carried out the shooting at Apalachee High School.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The jury is expected to hear three weeks of testimony, with Colin Gray potentially facing up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all counts.