Colt Gray Apalachee High School shooting sentencing
Colt Gray, 16, was sentenced to life in prison without parole on July 28, 2026, for the September 4, 2024, shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. As of July 28, 2026, Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including four counts of malice murder, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children. The judge stated Gray's motive appeared to be notoriety, citing jail calls where he discussed mass shootings and his desire for fame. Prosecutors sought to try him as an adult for the shooting that resulted in four deaths and seven injuries. His father, Colin Gray, was found guilty in March 2026 on 27 charges, including murder and manslaughter, for providing his son with a rifle.
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July 2026 — 5 developments
Colt Gray sentenced to life without parole for Apalachee High School shooting
Colt Gray, 16, was sentenced to life in prison without parole on July 28, 2026, for the September 4, 2024, shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including four counts of malice murder, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children. The judge stated Gray's motive appeared to be notoriety, citing jail calls where he discussed mass shootings and his desire for fame.
Colt Gray Sentencing Hearing Continues with Focus on Mental Health Arguments
The sentencing hearing for Colt Gray continued on July 27, 2026, with forensic psychologists testifying and arguments presented by the prosecution and defense regarding mental health's role in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting. Prosecutors contend Gray planned the attack and idolized other shooters, while the defense highlights his severe mental health struggles. The judge will determine his parole eligibility.
Colt Gray Pleads Guilty to All Charges in Apalachee High School Shooting
Colt Gray pleaded guilty to all 55 charges related to the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting on July 24, 2026. This non-negotiated plea means the judge will decide his sentence, which could range from life with parole to life without parole. Gray's sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 30, 2026.
Colt Gray Scheduled for Plea and Sentencing Hearing in Apalachee High School Shooting Case
Colt Gray, the teenager accused in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting, is scheduled for a plea and sentencing hearing on July 24, 2026, in Columbia County. His father, Colin Gray, is scheduled for sentencing on July 28 and 29 for his conviction related to the shooting.
Colt Gray's Apalachee High School Shooting Trial Moved to Columbia County, Jury Selection Set for October
The murder trial for Colt Gray, accused in the Apalachee High School shooting, has been relocated to Columbia County, with jury selection scheduled to begin on October 13, 2026. The trial is expected to last no more than three weeks. Colt Gray, who was 14 at the time of the September 4, 2024, incident, faces 55 charges, including four counts of felony murder, and has pleaded not guilty.
May 2026 — 2 developments
Colt Gray Faces Plea Deal Deadline, Potential Venue Change in School Shooting Case
A judge has set a deadline of the end of July for 16-year-old Colt Gray to decide on a plea deal for the Apalachee High School shooting. The trial is anticipated to begin in mid-October or November, with Columbia County being considered as a new venue to mitigate media coverage.
Colt Gray faces 55 charges, including felony murder, in Apalachee High School shooting
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
FBI investigated Colt Gray for school shooting threats months before Apalachee High shooting
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.
Judge bars media from recording victim impact statements at father of shooter'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.
Apalachee High School shooter's father, Colin Gray, faces July sentencing for providing rifle
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.
Apalachee High School shooting victims' families to sue law enforcement, school districts
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.
Colt Gray's pretrial hearing rescheduled to April 2026 due to medical evaluation
The pretrial hearing for Colt Gray has been rescheduled to an undetermined date in April 2026 due to his ongoing medical evaluation. This evaluation is expected to influence the defense's strategy.
March 2026 — 1 developments
Colin Gray convicted of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter in son's mass shooting
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
Colt Gray sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole after 30 years
Colt Gray was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. The judge cited the severity of the crimes and the impact on the victims' families in handing down the sentence. This marks the conclusion of the criminal proceedings against him.
July 2025 — 2 developments
Colt Gray found guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and weapon possession
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.
Prosecutors present case against Colt Gray in shooting trial
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
Colt Gray's shooting case moved to adult court
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
Colin Gray pleads guilty to murder and manslaughter, sentenced to 15 years for providing firearm in school shooting
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
Colt Gray Charged as Adult in Apalachee High School Shooting; Father Found Guilty
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.
Colin Gray arrested, charged with murder for providing AR-15-style rifle to son
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.
GBI charges 14-year-old Colt Gray with four counts of felony murder
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.
Colt Gray surrendered to school resource officers after firing 36 bullets in school attack
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.
Colt Gray opened fire at Apalachee High School with an AR-15-style rifle
At approximately 10:20 a.m. on September 4, 2024, the Barrow County Sheriff's Office received reports of an active shooter at Apalachee High School. Colt Gray, armed with an AR-15-style rifle concealed in his backpack, left his algebra class, entered a restroom, and then began shooting. Responding officers were dispatched immediately.
Shooting at school leaves four dead, nine injured, and others treated for panic attacks
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
Father gifts AR-15-style rifle to son previously investigated by FBI for school threats
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.