Colin Gray, 54, appeared in a Barrow County courtroom on Friday, facing charges linked to his 14-year-old son, Colt Gray, who allegedly carried out a deadly mass shooting at Apalachee High School. The courtroom appearance marked the latest legal strategy to hold parents accountable in school shootings.
Father Charged After Son’s Alleged Shooting Rampage
Colin Gray is charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and eight counts of child cruelty. His son, Colt, faces adult charges of murder after the attack on Wednesday that left two students and two teachers dead, along with nine wounded. Colt allegedly used an “AR platform-style” semiautomatic rifle in the attack.
Prosecutors argue that Colin Gray provided the firearm to his son, leading to the charges. If convicted, the father could face up to 180 years in prison.
Legal Strategy Targeting Gun Access at Home
This case represents a broader legal approach to addressing gun violence in schools by targeting parental responsibility. Experts note that around 75% of school shooters obtain weapons from their homes. Securing firearms, they argue, could prevent similar tragedies.
The prosecution follows the April sentencing of Jennifer and James Crumbley in Michigan. The Crumbleys were convicted of manslaughter after their son, Ethan Crumbley, killed four classmates in 2021. The jury found them guilty of not securing their firearms and ignoring warning signs about their son’s mental health.
Broader Debate Over the Role of Parents
While some see the prosecution of parents as a potential deterrent, others, like Karen McDonald, the Michigan prosecutor who charged the Crumbleys, argue that the primary focus should be on preventing future shootings through responsible gun ownership.
“It’s not about the prosecution itself,” McDonald said. “It’s about taking steps to prevent kids from dying by securing firearms.”
Critics, however, question whether holding parents responsible will effectively curb school shootings. Cynthia Godsoe, a law professor at Brooklyn Law School, noted that while such prosecutions may gain public support, they do little to address the root causes of mass shootings.
Previous Warnings and Missed Opportunities
The Grays were previously investigated in May 2023 for threats made on the gaming platform Discord, related to a potential school shooting. Although Colin Gray told investigators that his firearms were locked in a safe, no court order was issued to remove the guns, and the investigation was closed.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how Colt Gray gained access to the rifle used in the attack or the motivations behind the shooting.
