In Georgia, Colin Gray, 55, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for murder, manslaughter and related charges after his 16‑year‑old son, Colt Gray, shot and killed four people at Apalachee High School.
Gray was found guilty in March following the 2024 attack that left two teachers and two students dead. Prosecutors claim he failed to protect his son, who had a rifle gifted by him.
Officials said Colt had written a notebook detailing plans to kill and had been questioned by police months earlier. The jury heard that the father bought his son an AR‑style rifle for Christmas the year before the attack.
Judge Nicholas Primm handed down a sentence giving Gray 15 years for each second‑degree murder conviction and 10 years for each involuntary manslaughter conviction, all to be served concurrently. Prosecutors had asked for a maximum of 80 years; the defense requested a lighter 10‑year term.
Pri‑mm warned the father for failing to provide counseling, monitor his son's online activity and secure firearms at home. He added, “It is clear you failed as a parent.” While noting Gray did not pull the trigger himself.
This case marks the third time a U.S. parent has been criminally charged for a child‑led school shooting, after similar prosecutions in Michigan and elsewhere.
