Closing Arguments Set for Monday in Colin Gray Trial

The father faces 29 felony charges tied to the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Monday afternoon in the trial of Colin Gray, who is accused of enabling the weapon access that prosecutors say led to the deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. Gray, 55, faces 29 felony charges, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, for the attack that left two teachers and two students dead and nine others injured.

Why it matters

The case is being closely watched nationwide as it seeks to hold a parent criminally responsible in connection with a school shooting committed by their child. If convicted, Gray could face decades in prison.

The details

Over nearly two weeks of testimony, jurors have heard conflicting accounts about what warning signs existed and how seriously they were treated. Gray's estranged wife and daughter testified that he was aware of his son's behavioral issues and fascination with past school shooters, but allowed him access to an AR-15-style rifle. Gray testified that he maintained strict household rules requiring firearms to remain unloaded, and that his son had a "healthy respect for weapons." Prosecutors presented evidence including surveillance footage, financial records, and a "paper trail" of ammunition and tactical accessories.

  • Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Monday afternoon.
  • The judge is expected to hold a charge conference Monday morning to discuss how the law should be explained to jurors.
  • After closing arguments, the judge will read the finalized jury instructions, and jurors will begin deliberations with no set time limit.

The players

Colin Gray

A 55-year-old Barrow County father accused of enabling the weapon access that prosecutors say led to the deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. He faces 29 felony charges, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

Colt Gray

The teenage son of Colin Gray, who is accused of carrying out the Sept. 4, 2024 attack using an AR-15-style rifle his father had given him months earlier as a Christmas gift.

Marcee Gray

The estranged wife of Colin Gray, who testified that she urged her husband to remove firearms from their son's access as the teen struggled with anger and violent ideation.

Brad Smith

The Barrow County District Attorney, who confronted Colin Gray during cross-examination about school discipline records, prior threats reported to law enforcement, and the father's own online searches seeking help for a "troubled teen."

Judge Nicholas Primm

The judge presiding over the trial, who is expected to hold a charge conference Monday morning to discuss how the law should be explained to jurors.

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What they’re saying

“He had a healthy respect for weapons.”

— Colin Gray (fox5atlanta.com)

“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 growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.