Colin Gray, the father of 14-year-old Colt Gray, could face a prison sentence of up to 180 years if convicted on all charges related to the tragic high school shooting in Georgia, according to Judge Currie Mingledorff II. This announcement was made during a court hearing on Friday morning.
Colin Gray, 54, was arrested on Thursday, as confirmed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The charges against him include four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. These charges come as a result of allegations that Gray knowingly allowed his son to possess a firearm. Chris Hosey, CGI Director, stated at a Thursday news conference that the weapon involved in the shooting was an AR-style firearm, which was allegedly purchased by Gray as a Christmas gift for his son in December 2023.
On Friday, both Colin Gray and his son appeared in court for the first time. Colt Gray, who is accused of killing two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School on Wednesday, is being tried as an adult. He faces four counts of murder and is currently being held at the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Centre.
During the court session, Judge Mingledorff initially suggested that Colt Gray might face the death penalty if convicted. However, he quickly corrected himself, clarifying that the 14-year-old would not be eligible for the death penalty due to his age. Instead, the judge stated that Colt Gray could face life in prison.
The case has garnered significant attention and sparked discussions about parental responsibility and firearm safety. The community is deeply affected by the shooting, which resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with both Colin Gray and his son facing serious charges.
As the investigation continues, the case raises important questions about how firearms are accessed and stored, and the role of parents in preventing such tragedies. The outcomes of the court proceedings will be closely watched as the community seeks answers and justice for the victims of this devastating event.
