Georgia High School Shooting Suspect's Father Faces Trial

Opening statements to begin in case where prosecutors aim to hold parent responsible for son's deadly attack

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The trial of Colin Gray, whose teenage son Colt is accused of killing two students and two teachers at a Georgia high school in 2024, is set to begin with opening statements on Monday. Prosecutors are charging Colin Gray with crimes including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, arguing he gave his son access to a gun and ammunition despite warnings about his mental health issues and obsession with school shooters.

Why it matters

This case is part of a growing trend of prosecutors trying to hold parents accountable when their children are accused in fatal school shootings. It raises complex legal and ethical questions about the extent to which parents can be blamed for their children's actions, and whether such prosecutions could deter future school violence.

The details

According to the indictment, Colin Gray gave his 14-year-old son Colt access to a semiautomatic rifle and larger ammunition magazine, "after receiving sufficient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger the bodily safety of another." Prosecutors argue this amounts to the crime of cruelty to children, which forms the basis for the second-degree murder charges. Investigators say Colt carefully planned the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School, bringing the gun to school in his backpack before opening fire in a classroom and hallways.

  • The shooting occurred on September 4, 2024 at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia.
  • Opening statements in the trial of Colin Gray are expected to begin on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Colin Gray

The father of Colt Gray, the teenager accused of carrying out the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School. Colin Gray faces charges including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

Colt Gray

The 14-year-old son of Colin Gray, who is accused of killing two students and two teachers in a shooting at Apalachee High School in 2024.

Apalachee High School

The Georgia high school where the deadly shooting took place in September 2024, leaving two students and two teachers dead.

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What they’re saying

“We have had a very difficult past couple of years and he needs help. Anger, anxiety, quick to be volatile. I don't know what to do,”

— Colin Gray

What’s next

The trial of Colin Gray is expected to last several weeks. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing legal and ethical debate around holding parents responsible when their children are accused in deadly school shootings. Prosecutors argue such charges could deter future violence, but critics say it unfairly blames parents for their children's actions.