Father convicted in Apalachee High School shooting gets 15 years

A judge has sentenced Colin Gray to 15 years in prison for his involvement in the Apalachee High School shooting, which claimed the lives of two students and two teachers. The sentence was delivered Thursday after victims' families delivered emotional testimony, urging Judge Nicholas Primm to impose the maximum punishment.

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It is clear you failed as a parent. You didn't get him mental health counseling when it was obvious he needed some. None of those failures helped your case, but those aren't why you were convicted. You were convicted because the warning lights were flashing brighter and brighter and you didn't get him help.

Gray's defense attorneys argued for a lesser sentence, citing his son's mental health treatment. However, prosecutors had sought an 80-year prison term. Judge Primm stated, "It is clear you failed as a parent. You didn't get him mental health counseling when it was obvious he needed some." He added that while these failures didn't directly lead to the conviction, the "warning lights were flashing brighter and brighter" regarding his son's mental state.

The sentencing follows the life sentence without parole given to Gray's 16-year-old son, Colt Gray, who pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including murder. In March, a jury convicted Colin Gray on 27 charges, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and cruelty to children. Prosecutors contended that he provided the rifle used in the shooting despite repeated warnings about his son's deteriorating mental health.

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To the world, Ricky was a math teacher and a football coach. To the players he coached, he was a mentor. To me, he was my best friend, my partner and the person I expected to grow old with.

Victims' families shared their enduring pain during the hearing. Shayna Aspinwall, wife of slain teacher Richard "Ricky" Aspinwall, described her husband as a mentor and her best friend, now living with PTSD and unable to teach due to fear. She directly addressed Colin Gray, saying, "Colin couldn't take his kid to therapy. Now I have to take mine." Richard Aspinwall's stepfather, Rick Aspinwall, held Gray responsible for the devastation, stating, "Through your ineptitude and lack of situational awareness, you are responsible for all that's happened."

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Colin couldn't take his kid to therapy. Now I have to take mine.

Breanna Schermerhorn, mother of 14-year-old victim Mason Schermerhorn, rejected the term "tragedy," calling the shooting "preventable." The court heard how the shooting left lasting scars on the community, with families grappling with profound loss and seeking accountability for the actions that led to the horrific event.

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Through your ineptitude and lack of situational awareness, you are responsible for all that's happened. I hope to God that you sit and remember everything that you're responsible for.