Father to be sentenced for giving son gun used in Georgia high school shooting

A father is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for providing the firearm used in a deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. Colin Gray's sentencing comes just days after his 16-year-old son, Colt Gray, admitted to murder and other charges, receiving a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The shooting, which occurred on September 4, 2024, claimed the lives of two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, as well as two teachers, Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53. Another teacher and eight students sustained injuries. Colin Gray, 55, was found guilty by a jury in March of second-degree murder, which under Georgia law involves causing a child's death through cruelty, and involuntary manslaughter.

During the sentencing hearing, victim impact statements were delivered by family members of those killed and injured. Many condemned Colin Gray's perceived parental failures and urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence. Breanna Schermerhorn, mother of Mason, stated, "This wasn't unavoidable. This was preventable. Because of the choices made inside the Gray household, four families were handed life sentences of grief."

Prosecutors argued that Colin Gray gifted his son the semi-automatic rifle and ammunition as a Christmas present. Evidence presented indicated that Colt Gray carried the rifle, concealed in poster board, from his second-period class to a bathroom, from which he emerged to open fire in the school's hallways and a classroom. Colt Gray was 14 at the time of the incident and reportedly showed signs of deteriorating mental health.

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This wasn't unavoidable. This was preventable. Because of the choices made inside the Gray household, four families were handed life sentences of grief.