Georgia High School Shooting Suspect's Father Faces Trial

Opening statements set 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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Opening statements are expected Monday in the trial of Colin Gray, whose teenage son Colt Gray is accused of killing two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia in September 2024. Prosecutors argue that Colin Gray gave his son access to a gun and ammunition despite warnings about his son's mental health issues and obsession with school shooters, amounting to cruelty to children and second-degree murder.

Why it matters

This case is one of several around the country where prosecutors are trying to hold parents responsible after their children are accused in fatal shootings, raising questions about parental liability and the role of mental health in school violence.

The details

Colin Gray faces 29 counts, including two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter and numerous counts of second-degree cruelty to children related to the shooting. Prosecutors argue that Gray gave his 14-year-old son Colt the gun used in the attack as a Christmas gift and bought a larger magazine, despite knowing Colt was obsessed with school shooters and had deteriorating mental health.

  • The shooting occurred on September 4, 2024 at Apalachee High School.
  • Colin Gray's trial is set to begin with opening statements on Monday.

The players

Colin Gray

The father of the teenage suspect accused of carrying out the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School.

Colt Gray

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

Apalachee High School

The Georgia high school where the deadly shooting took place in September 2024, attended by 1,900 students.

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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 (The Washington Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Colin Gray out on bail.

The takeaway

This trial highlights the complex legal and moral questions around parental responsibility when children commit acts of violence, especially in cases where parents were aware of mental health issues but failed to intervene effectively.