Father of suspected Georgia high school shooter pleads not guilty

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WINDER, Ga. (WANF/Gray News) - Colin Gray, the father of the teen suspect in September’s deadly Apalachee High School shooting, pleaded not guilty and waived his court arraignment on Thursday.

Gray’s lawyers said they intend to file several motions in the next few days.

Gray faces 29 counts, including second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to children, involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.

FILE - This combo of booking images provided by the Barrow County, Ga., Sheriff's Office shows... — FILE - This combo of booking images provided by the Barrow County, Ga., Sheriff's Office shows Colin Gray, left, and his son Colt Gray, who have been charged in relation to the Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, shootings at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga.(Barrow County Sheriff's Office via AP)

On Sept. 4, 14-year-old Colt Gray allegedly opened fire at Apalachee High School, killing four people and sending nine others to the hospital. The dead were later identified as 14-year-old students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, alongside teacher and assistant football coach Richard Aspinwall and math teacher Cristina Irimie.

Gray is accused of giving Colt the AR-style rifle allegedly used during the shooting and furnishing his son with other gun accessories, such as a tactical vest, laser sight and mask.

Colt faces 55 counts, including charges of felony murder, malice murder and aggravated assault. He has pled not guilty.

Gray is facing the harshest charges ever brought against a parent of a juvenile charged in a school shooting.

Gray’s waived arraignment comes after the judge formerly presiding over the trial recused himself. The case is now in the hands of Judge Sarah Griffie, who was appointed as a superior court judge by Gov. Brian Kemp in August, according to the Barrow County Board of Commissioners.