Father of accused Georgia school shooter convicted of murder

"This case is about this defendant and his actions, allowing a child that he has custody over access to a firearm and ammunition after being warned that that child was going to harm others. Prosecutors established that Colin Gray armed and enabled his son Colt by giving him a rifle as a Christmas present despite the boy's deteriorating mental health and clear warning signs."

"According to the FBI, sheriffs interviewed Colt Gray and his father in May 2023—more than a year before the shooting—after receiving anonymous tips about online threats to commit a school shooting. Prosecutors said Colin Gray ignored warning signs, including that his son maintained a shrine to school shooters and acted violently at home."

"Defense attorney Brian Hobbs told the jury that Colin Gray, who pleaded not guilty, was unaware of his son's intentions and had sought help for his mental health challenges. He said he was only trying to be a good father and never imagined Colt would carry out the attack."

Colin Gray, 55, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the deaths of two 14-year-old students and involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of two teachers killed in the September 2024 Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia. Prosecutors established that Gray armed his son Colt, then 14, by giving him a rifle as a Christmas present despite clear warning signs of danger. The FBI had interviewed both father and son in May 2023 after anonymous tips about online threats. Evidence showed Colt maintained a shrine to school shooters and displayed violent behavior at home. Gray's defense argued he was unaware of his son's intentions and sought mental health help, but jurors convicted him in less than two hours.

Read at www.dw.com