Apalachee High School shooting legal proceedings

Reference TimelineLast updated MAY 5
SUMMARY

Colt Gray, the 14-year-old suspect in the Apalachee High School shooting, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years on September 15, 2025, following his conviction on July 29, 2025, for four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count of possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. As of May 5, 2026, prosecutors are seeking to try him as an adult for the September 4, 2024, shooting that resulted in four deaths and seven injuries, despite his prior sentencing. His father, Colin Gray, was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter on March 3, 2026, for providing his son with a rifle, and his sentencing is scheduled for July 28 and 29, 2026. Families of victims plan to file lawsuits against law enforcement and school districts, alleging ignored warnings about Colt Gray, who was investigated by the FBI in May 2023 for online threats but found to have insufficient probable cause for arrest at that time.

Timeline

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Timeline of developments

May 2026 1 developments

  1. Colt Gray, the 14-year-old suspect in the Apalachee High School shooting, now faces 55 charges, including four counts of felony murder.

    Colt Gray, the 14-year-old suspect in the Apalachee High School shooting, now faces 55 charges, including four counts of felony murder. Prosecutors are seeking to try him as an adult for the September 4, 2024, shooting that resulted in four deaths and seven injuries. The investigation is described as ongoing.

April 2026 5 developments

  1. The FBI had previously investigated Colt Gray in May 2023 for alleged online threats of a school shooting but found insufficient probable cause for arrest at that time.

    The FBI had previously investigated Colt Gray in May 2023 for alleged online threats of a school shooting but found insufficient probable cause for arrest at that time. Colt Gray, 14, has since been arrested and charged in connection with a September 4, 2024, shooting at Apalachee High School that resulted in four deaths and seven injuries.

  2. A Barrow County judge has ruled that media will not be allowed to record or broadcast victim impact statements during Colin Gray's sentencing.

    A Barrow County judge has ruled that media will not be allowed to record or broadcast victim impact statements during Colin Gray's sentencing. This decision was made to protect the fair trial rights of his son, Colt Gray, the accused shooter. Colin Gray's sentencing is scheduled for July 28 and 29.

  3. Colin Gray, the father of the Apalachee High School shooter, has a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 28 and July 29.

    Colin Gray, the father of the Apalachee High School shooter, has a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 28 and July 29. He was found guilty in March 2026 on 27 charges, including murder and manslaughter, for providing his son with a rifle.

  4. Families of victims from the Apalachee High School shooting intend to file lawsuits against law enfo…

    Families of victims from the Apalachee High School shooting intend to file lawsuits against law enforcement agencies and school districts, alleging that warnings about Colt Gray's potential plans were ignored. They are seeking substantial financial damages.

March 2026 1 developments

  1. Colt Gray's father, Colin Gray, was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter on March 3, 2026.

    Colt Gray's father, Colin Gray, was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter on March 3, 2026. This marks the first conviction of a parent for a mass shooting carried out by their child. Colt Gray's psychological evaluation remains unfinished.

September 2025 1 developments

July 2025 2 developments

  1. Colt Gray was found guilty of four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count of possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony.

    Colt Gray was found guilty of four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count of possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. The jury deliberated for two days before reaching their verdict. This conviction means he will face sentencing as an adult.

  2. The trial for Colt Gray began, with prosecutors presenting their case to an adult jury.

    The trial for Colt Gray began, with prosecutors presenting their case to an adult jury. The prosecution detailed the events of the shooting and emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack. Gray's defense team is expected to focus on his age and mental state at the time of the incident.

March 2025 1 developments

  1. Colt Gray's case was moved to adult court, a significant legal development that will allow him to be tried as an adult for the shooting.

    Colt Gray's case was moved to adult court, a significant legal development that will allow him to be tried as an adult for the shooting. This decision followed a probable cause hearing where evidence was presented regarding the severity of the crimes. The move to adult court means he faces potentially harsher penalties.

January 2025 1 developments

  1. Colin Gray pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

    Colin Gray pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. He admitted to providing his son with the firearm used in the Apalachee High School shooting. As part of his plea agreement, he received a sentence of 15 years in prison. This conviction highlighted the parental responsibility in cases of school violence.

September 2024 6 developments

  1. Colt Gray, 14 at the time of the September 4, 2024, shooting, has been charged as an adult with multiple counts, including felony murder, and is ineligible for the death penalty.

    Colt Gray, 14 at the time of the September 4, 2024, shooting, has been charged as an adult with multiple counts, including felony murder, and is ineligible for the death penalty. His father, Colin Gray, was found guilty on 29 charges, including murder and manslaughter, for providing his son with a rifle. Colt Gray's trial remains uncertain pending a medical evaluation.

  2. Colin Gray, the father of Colt Gray, was arrested and charged with murder and involuntary manslaughter.

    Colin Gray, the father of Colt Gray, was arrested and charged with murder and involuntary manslaughter. These charges stem from his role in providing the AR-15-style rifle used in the school shooting, despite prior knowledge of his son's threats and mental health concerns. His arrest marked a significant development in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

  3. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed that 14-year-old Colt Gray was the sole perpetrator of the shooting.

    The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed that 14-year-old Colt Gray was the sole perpetrator of the shooting. He was formally charged with four counts of felony murder, and prosecutors announced their intent to try him as an adult. Apalachee High School, with approximately 1,900 students, was closed for the remainder of the week.

  4. School resource officers encountered Colt Gray shortly after the shooting commenced.

    School resource officers encountered Colt Gray shortly after the shooting commenced. Gray surrendered without resistance, dropping his weapon and complying with commands. He had brought 103 bullets into the school, firing 36 during the attack. He was taken into custody and transported to the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center.

  5. The shooting resulted in the deaths of two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and two teachers, Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie.

    The shooting resulted in the deaths of two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and two teachers, Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie. Nine other individuals, including one teacher and eight students, sustained gunshot wounds and received treatment at local hospitals. Several victims were also treated for panic attacks.

December 2023 1 developments

  1. Colt Gray received an AR-15-style rifle as a Christmas gift from his father, Colin Gray.

    Colt Gray received an AR-15-style rifle as a Christmas gift from his father, Colin Gray. This occurred months after an FBI investigation into Colt's potential involvement in school shooting threats. Colin Gray stated his intention was for hunting and bonding, hoping to steer his son away from video games.