State investigators are revealing new details surrounding the gun a 14-year-old boy allegedly used to kill two teachers and two students at his Georgia high school.
Colt Gray allegedly brought the AR-15-style rifle used in last week’s shooting — a Christmas present from his dad, according to sources — to school on his own, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday. The long gun “could not be broken down,” so the teen hid it in his backpack, the GBI said.
Booking photo of Apalachee High School shooting suspect, Colt Gray, released by the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office.
Barrow County Sheriff’s Office
The morning of the shooting, Gray asked his teacher for permission to go to the front office and speak with an unidentified person, the GBI said. The teacher allowed him to leave and take his belongings with him, the GBI said.
The 14-year-old then went to the bathroom and hid from teachers, and later allegedly took out the rifle and started shooting, according to the GBI.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation staff move through an entrance to Apalachee High School after Wednesday’s shooting, Sept. 5, 2024, in Winder, Ga.
Mike Stewart/AP
Colt Gray is accused of killing four people and injuring nine others at Apalachee High School on Sept. 4.
Seven of the nine people who were wounded suffered gunshot wounds, the GBI clarified on Thursday.
Flowers are placed in front of the school, one day after a deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., Sept. 5, 2024.
Erik S Lesser/EPA via Shutterstock
Colt Gray is charged with four counts of felony murder. More charges will be filed, prosecutors said.
The teen’s father, Colin Gray, is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children, the GBI said. He is accused of knowingly allowing his son to possess the weapon used in the shooting, according to the GBI.
Investigators believe Colt Gray received the AR-style gun used in the shooting as a Christmas present from his father, according to sources.
Colt Gray and Colin Gray both made their first court appearances on Friday. Neither has entered a plea and both are set to return to court on Dec. 4.
The recent school shooting in Georgia has once again brought the issue of gun violence to the forefront of national conversation. According to reports from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the suspect in the shooting allegedly concealed a gun in his backpack and hid in a bathroom before carrying out the attack.
The incident took place at Mount Zion High School in Jonesboro, Georgia, where the suspect, a 15-year-old student, entered the school with a handgun in his backpack. He then reportedly went into a bathroom and waited for the right moment to carry out the attack. The suspect eventually opened fire in a classroom, injuring one student before being apprehended by school resource officers.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of gun violence in schools across the country. It also highlights the importance of implementing effective safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
School shootings have become all too common in the United States, with hundreds of incidents reported each year. In response to this epidemic, many schools have implemented security measures such as metal detectors, surveillance cameras, and active shooter drills. However, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of students and staff.
In the wake of this latest shooting, there have been renewed calls for stricter gun control laws and increased mental health resources for students. Advocates argue that these measures are necessary to prevent future tragedies and protect our communities from senseless violence.
As we grapple with the aftermath of yet another school shooting, it is important to remember that we all have a role to play in preventing such incidents. Whether it be through advocating for stronger gun laws, supporting mental health initiatives, or simply being vigilant and reporting suspicious behavior, we must all work together to create a safer and more secure environment for our children.
In the meantime, our thoughts are with the victims of the Georgia school shooting and their families. May they find comfort and healing in the midst of this tragedy, and may we all strive to make our schools and communities safer for future generations.
