Colin Gray, the father of the teenager who carried out a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. The sentencing follows his conviction on charges including second-degree murder, making him one of a small number of American parents criminally charged after their children were accused in shootings.
The shooting occurred on September 4, 2024, at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, located approximately 70 km (45 miles) northeast of Atlanta. The attack resulted in the deaths of two teachers and two students, while nine other people were injured. Teachers Richard 'Ricky' Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, along with students Mason Schermerhorn, 14, and Christian Angulo, 14, were killed in the incident.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
Prosecutors argued that Colin Gray bore responsibility for the tragedy because he provided his son with an AR-15-style rifle and failed to act as the teen's mental health deteriorated. Judge Nicholas Primm stated during the hearing that Gray could have prevented the shooting by locking firearms, removing ammunition, or storing weapons elsewhere while seeking mental health treatment for his son.
The district attorney had requested a sentence of 80 years in prison. In contrast, Colin Gray’s defense lawyer asked for a sentence of 10 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation. Victims' family members urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence during the hearing.
I have the nearly impossible task of sentencing you without passion.
Judge Primm noted that Colin Gray's crimes were 'tethered to the tragedy committed by his son.' He added, 'My heart aches for everyone that was there that day, for all of you that have been impacted by it. But the law requires that I set aside emotion. I don’t get to sentence with passion.'
Son Sentenced to Life Without Parole
The sentencing of Colin Gray, who is 55 years old, occurred days after his son, Colt Gray, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Colt Gray pleaded guilty to all 55 charges against him, including murder, after initially pleading not guilty.
Before accepting the plea, Judge Primm questioned Colt Gray to ensure he understood the consequences, to which Gray responded 'Yes, your honor' to each question. Judge Primm also sentenced Colt Gray earlier in the same week as his father's hearing.
Colin Gray is the first parent in Georgia to be criminally charged in connection with a shooting carried out by their child. Apalachee High School's first day back for the new school year was scheduled for the Friday following the sentencing.