Georgia Man Convicted After Son's School Shooting

Colin Gray found guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and other charges for giving his 14-year-old son an AR-15 used in deadly attack.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A jury in Georgia has found Colin Gray guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter, cruelty to children, and reckless conduct after his 14-year-old son Colt used an AR-15 rifle that his father had given him to carry out a deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. The case is seen as a landmark in efforts to hold parents accountable for their children's actions in school shooting incidents.

Why it matters

This conviction sends a strong message that parents cannot simply provide guns to their children and avoid responsibility if those weapons are then used in a school shooting. It is part of a growing nationwide effort to hold more people accountable, including parents and law enforcement, when school shootings occur.

The details

On September 4, 2024, Colt Gray brought the AR-15 rifle that his father had given him concealed in a backpack to Apalachee High School. Before the shooting started, Colt texted his father saying "I'm sorry, it's not ur fault" and "ur not to blame for any of it." However, the jury did not agree, finding Colin Gray guilty on multiple charges related to providing the weapon used in the attack that left two students and two teachers dead, and nine others injured.

  • On September 4, 2024, Colt Gray carried out the deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School.
  • On Tuesday, a jury in Georgia found Colin Gray guilty of the charges against him.

The players

Colin Gray

The 45-year-old father of Colt Gray, who was found guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter, cruelty to children, and reckless conduct for giving his 14-year-old son the AR-15 rifle used in the school shooting.

Colt Gray

The 14-year-old son of Colin Gray who carried out the deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School, killing two students and two teachers and injuring nine others.

Apalachee High School

The high school in Winder, Georgia where the deadly shooting carried out by Colt Gray took place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.