In September 2024, 14-year-old Colt Gray allegedly killed two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, using an AR-15 style rifle. His father, Colin Gray, was arrested and charged with 29 counts including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and cruelty to children. The charges stem from allegations that Colin Gray gave his son the rifle as a Christmas gift in December 2023, months after law enforcement had questioned both father and son in May 2023 following FBI tips about online school shooting threats traced to their home.
According to prosecutors, Colin Gray was aware his son had searched "how to kill your dad" on a school computer in 2021 and had created what they describe as a shrine to the Parkland school shooter. Evidence presented includes that Colin Gray sought counseling for his son weeks before the shooting, writing that his son needed help with "anger, anxiety, quick to be volatile." Three weeks before the shooting, prosecutors say Colt Gray texted his father: "Whenever something happens, just know the blood is on your hands." The defense argues the shooting's planning was hidden from the father and that he cannot be held criminally responsible for failing to predict what was concealed from him. Colin Gray has pleaded not guilty to all charges.