Teenager charged in Georgia school shooting; his father remains in custody after hearings

WINDER, Ga. – The 14-year-old suspect in a shooting that killed four people at a Georgia high school and his father, who was arrested for allowing his son to possess a gun, remain in custody after their attorneys decided Friday not to seek bail.

Colt Gray, who is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, is accused of using a semi-automatic assault rifle to kill two classmates and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, outside Atlanta, on Wednesday. His father, Colin Gray, faces similar charges in the latest attempt by prosecutors to blame parents for their children’s actions in the school shootings.

The two appeared in back-to-back hearings Friday morning with about 50 spectators in the courtroom, where staff had placed tissue boxes along the benches alongside media and sheriff’s deputies. Some of the victims’ family members in the front row hugged each other and one woman clutched a stuffed animal.

During his hearing, Colt Gray, wearing khaki pants and a green shirt, was informed of his rights as well as the charges and penalties he faced for the shooting at the school where he studied.

After the hearing, he was led out in handcuffs and leg irons. The judge then called the youth back into the courtroom to correct an earlier false statement that his crimes could be punishable by death. Because he is a minor, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. The judge also scheduled another hearing for December 4.

Shortly afterward, Colin Gray was brought into court wearing a gray-striped prison uniform. Colin Gray, 54, was charged Thursday in connection with the shooting and answered questions in a barely audible croak. He gave his age and said he had completed Grade 11, earning a high school diploma.

Colin Gray has been charged with manslaughter and first-degree murder in connection with the shooting, said Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

“His charges are directly related to his son’s actions and permission to possess a gun,” Hosey said.