On September 5, 2024, Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, was an alleged crime scene when a 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, opened fire on students and teachers, killing two students and two teachers and wounding nine more. New court filings have revealed troubling information about the attack and the moments leading up to it.
The Attack: Planning and Execution
Investigators found a notebook with plans for the shooting in Gray’s possession. The notebook included orders such as “Shoot the teacher first” and sketches of stick figures labeled with words like “gut shot,” showing bullet paths through bodies. On the day of the assault, Gray hid a SIG Sauer M400 rifle by draping it with a white poster board to make it look like the boy was bringing a school project. He went to his first-period class without incident. During the second period, he asked to meet with a counselor but instead entered a bathroom, put on yellow plastic gloves, and took out the rifle. He went on to execute the shooting.
Father’s Alleged Involvement
Colt’s father, Colin Gray, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder. Prosecutors say he bought the AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting as a Christmas present for his son. Despite knowing about Colt’s declining mental health and obsession with school shootings, Colin Gray supplied him with weapons, magazines, and ammunition from his store. Investigators testified that Colin Gray purchased a laser sight, tactical vest, and ammunition for his son before the shooting.
Obsession with School Shootings
Colt was also found to have a “shrine” to previous school shooters, including photos and articles on the Parkland shooting. This shrine was placed behind his computer desk. Colt’s interest in guns had grown in the last year, his family members said. He had even joked about finishing his “school shooter outfit,” a disturbing preoccupation with such violations.
Prior Warnings and Missed Signs
In May 2023, after receiving tips about online threats, the FBI interviewed Colin and Colt regarding Colt’s Discord activity targeting a middle school. Colin Gray explains to investigators that his son faced issues at West Jackson Middle School but thrived after transferring to Jefferson Middle School. However, no significant action occurred at the time of these concerns.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
Colt and Colin Gray were both charged. Colt faces 55 counts, including murder and aggravated assault, while his father faces 29 counts, such as second-degree murder and reckless conduct. The case shook the local community, sparking demands for stronger gun control and parental accountability.
The revelations have sparked renewed arguments over gun control, mental health issues, and the responsibilities of gun ownership.
