Father of Georgia School Shooting Suspect Faces Trial

Colin Gray pleads not guilty to charges related to his son's 2024 attack that left four dead

Feb. 19, 2026 at 3:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jury selection and opening statements have begun in the trial of Colin Gray, the father of the teenager accused of carrying out the 2024 mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia that left four people dead. Gray has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, for allegedly allowing his 14-year-old son Colt access to the AR-15-style rifle used in the attack.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around parental responsibility and accountability when it comes to gun violence involving minors. Prosecutors allege Gray ignored warning signs about his son's disturbing behavior and mental state, while the defense argues the teen concealed his true intentions from those around him.

The details

Prosecutors say Gray purchased the rifle as a Christmas gift for his son Colt, who is being tried separately as an adult and has pleaded not guilty to dozens of charges, including felony murder and attempted murder. School officials, counselors and law enforcement had previously raised concerns about Colt's troubling behavior, including alleged threats to carry out a school shooting, but no charges were filed at the time.

  • Jury selection and opening statements began on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The shooting at Apalachee High School occurred on September 4, 2024.

The players

Colin Gray

The 55-year-old father of the teenager accused of carrying out the 2024 mass shooting at Apalachee High School. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

Colt Gray

The 14-year-old son of Colin Gray who is accused of carrying out the 2024 mass shooting at Apalachee High School. He is being tried separately as an adult and has pleaded not guilty to dozens of charges, including felony murder and attempted murder.

Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith

The prosecutor in the case against Colin Gray, who told jurors the case centers on the specific decisions made by the defendant after clear warning signs.

Brian Hobbs

The defense attorney for Colin Gray, who argued that while the outcome was catastrophic, the prosecution must prove that Gray knew or should have known his son would commit violence.

Richard Aspinwall

One of the teachers killed in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Brad Smith, Barrow County District Attorney

“What happened at Apalachee High School was tragic, it was horrific, it was terrifying and it was heartbreaking. Nothing said in this courtroom can change that.”

— Brian Hobbs, Defense Attorney

“The evidence will show a teenager who is struggling mentally. A teenager who is deceptive. A teenager who hid his true intentions from everyone — from his family, from his counselor, from his siblings, from DFCS, from law enforcement and most especially from his father.”

— Brian Hobbs, Defense Attorney

What’s next

If convicted on all counts, Colin Gray faces the possibility of decades in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around parental responsibility and accountability when it comes to gun violence involving minors, with prosecutors arguing Gray ignored clear warning signs while the defense contends the teen concealed his true intentions.