Georgia High School Shooting Suspect's Father Faces Trial

Prosecutors argue father should be held responsible for providing gun despite warnings about son's alleged threats

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The trial of Colin Gray, the father of a teenager accused of killing two students and two teachers at a Georgia high school, has begun. Prosecutors argue that Gray should be held responsible for providing the weapon to his son despite warnings about alleged threats the son had made. Gray's attorney says the shooting's planning and timing were hidden from the father, and he cannot be held criminally liable for failing to predict what was intentionally hidden from him.

Why it matters

This case is part of a growing trend of prosecutors trying to hold parents responsible after their children are accused in fatal shootings. It raises questions about parental accountability and the role of gun access in school violence.

The details

Prosecutors say Colin Gray faces 29 counts, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, related to the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. They argue Gray's actions in allowing his 14-year-old son Colt access to a firearm and ammunition, despite warnings about alleged threats, amounts to cruelty to children. The defense argues the shooting's planning and timing were hidden from the father, and he cannot be held criminally responsible for failing to predict what was intentionally hidden from him.

  • The shooting occurred on September 4, 2024.
  • In September 2021, Colt Gray used a school computer to search 'how to kill your dad'.
  • In May 2023, law enforcement acted on a tip from the FBI after a shooting threat was made online concerning an elementary school, which was traced to a computer at Gray's home.
  • Three weeks before the shooting, Colin Gray received a chilling text from his son: 'Whenever something happens, just know the blood is on your hands'.

The players

Colin Gray

The father of the teenager accused of killing two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Georgia. He faces 29 counts, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, related to the shooting.

Colt Gray

The 14-year-old son of Colin Gray, who is accused of carefully planning and carrying out the shooting at Apalachee High School in September 2024 that left two students and two teachers dead.

Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith

The prosecutor arguing that Colin Gray should be held responsible for providing the weapon to his son despite warnings about alleged threats.

Brian Hobbs

The attorney for Colin Gray, who argues the shooting's planning and timing were hidden from the father and he cannot be held criminally liable for failing to predict what was intentionally hidden from him.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a case about holding parents accountable for what their children do. This case is about this defendant and his actions in allowing a child that he has custody over access to a firearm and ammunition after being warned that that child was going to harm others.”

— Brad Smith, Barrow County District Attorney (wbal.com)

“The shooting's planning and timing 'were hidden by Colt Gray from his father. That's the difference between tragedy and criminal liability. You cannot hold someone criminally responsible for failing to predict what was intentionally hidden from them.”

— Brian Hobbs, Attorney for Colin Gray (wbal.com)

What’s next

The trial is ongoing, and the judge will decide whether to allow Colin Gray out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding parental responsibility and gun access in the wake of school shootings. It underscores the challenges of holding parents accountable when their children's actions may have been intentionally hidden from them.