Georgia father sentenced to 15 years for supplying gun used in school shooting
Colin Gray, the father of the Apalachee High School shooter, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of multiple charges, including second-degree murder, for providing the firearm and related equipment.
Barrow County Superior Court Judge Nicholas Primm sentenced Colin Gray, 55, to 15 years in prison on Thursday for his role in the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School that left four people dead and several others injured. Gray was found guilty of 29 counts, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children, after a March trial.
The judge said Gray ignored clear warning signs of his son Colt’s fascination with school shooters and failed to intervene, noting that “it’s clear you failed as a parent.” Prosecutors had sought an 80-year term, while Gray’s defense argued he lacked knowledge of the planned attack and had been attempting to obtain mental-health treatment for his son.
Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith said law-enforcement officials warned Gray in 2023 to restrict his son’s access to firearms, yet months later Gray purchased a high-powered rifle that was later used in the attack. The district attorney urged community members to seek counseling if needed.
Colt Gray, now 16, pleaded guilty to 55 felony counts, including malice murder, and received a life-without-parole sentence two days earlier. The shooting, Georgia’s deadliest school incident, claimed the lives of two students and two teachers and injured several others.
During the sentencing hearing, victims’ families expressed grief and called for accountability, while Gray’s attorneys indicated they will appeal the conviction.