Georgia Father Faces Trial for Son's School Shooting

Colin Gray accused of giving 14-year-old son access to firearm used in Apalachee High attack

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The trial of a Georgia man accused of allowing his 14-year-old son access to the firearm used in a 2024 school shooting that killed four people and injured several others at Apalachee High School has begun. Colin Gray faces felony murder and manslaughter charges for allegedly providing his son, Colt Gray, with the weapon used in the attack.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around parental responsibility and gun access in relation to mass shootings committed by minors. It also draws comparisons to a similar case in Michigan where parents were convicted for their role in their son's high school shooting.

The details

Authorities say that over two years before the Apalachee High shooting, they had interviewed Colin Gray and his son Colt about threats to carry out a school attack, but did not arrest the teenager at the time. Colin Gray later allegedly gifted his son an AR-15-style rifle, which Colt then used in the 2024 shooting that left 4 dead and 9 wounded. Colin Gray now faces up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

  • The shooting at Apalachee High School occurred on September 3, 2024.
  • Colin Gray's trial began on February 16, 2026.

The players

Colin Gray

The 45-year-old Georgia father accused of giving his 14-year-old son access to the firearm used in the Apalachee High School shooting.

Colt Gray

The 14-year-old son of Colin Gray who is accused of carrying out the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School that left 4 dead and 9 wounded.

Apalachee High School

The high school in Winder, Georgia where the 2024 shooting took place.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Colin Gray out on bail during the trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around parental responsibility and gun access in relation to mass shootings committed by minors, and the need for stronger laws and enforcement to prevent such tragedies.