A preliminary hearing for Colin Gray has shed light on unsettling details regarding the circumstances leading up to the Apalachee High School shooting on September 4. This tragic event left nine individuals injured and raised critical questions about parental responsibility and oversight. Investigators presented disturbing evidence discovered within the Gray household, including a notebook filled with troubling drawings by Colt Gray, Colin’s son. These illustrations depicted stick figures with wounds and bore the ominous inscription, “Shoot the teacher first.”
Prosecutors sought to establish that Colin Gray purchased the weapon used in the shooting as a Christmas gift for his son and continued to buy tactical gear, including a vest and ammunition, despite being aware of Colt’s struggles with anger and anxiety. The prosecution contended that these actions demonstrated a neglectful approach to a volatile situation that ultimately escalated into violence.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation special agent Kelsey Ward testified about the troubling environment within the Gray home. She revealed that Colt had created a shrine dedicated to school shootings, which included photographs of infamous shooters, notably one of Nikolas Cruz, the perpetrator of the Parkland, Florida shooting. This disturbing shrine raised alarms about Colt’s state of mind and suggested a fascination with violence that went unaddressed by his family.
Among the pieces of evidence presented was a note found in Colt’s gaming room. The message, which read, “Forgive me. It is out of my control. See you,” indicated a deep sense of despair. Investigators revealed that drawings in Colt’s notebooks detailed a hypothetical shooting scenario that would culminate in his own suicide. Colt described feelings of being “depressed,” “delirious,” and “eager to die,” raising concerns about his mental health and the potential for self-harm.
Ward recounted an incident in which Colin Gray asked his son about a photo of Cruz displayed on the shrine. After Colt explained who Cruz was, the conversation abruptly ended, highlighting a troubling lack of engagement regarding Colt’s interests and the implications behind them. This moment encapsulates a broader failure to confront the signs of distress in Colt’s life.
Testimonies from investigators also revealed that Colt made joking remarks about school shootings, which were dismissed by his parents. Marcee Gray, Colt’s mother, acknowledged that her son had requested a shooter mask to complete a “school shooter outfit.” Such comments reflect a disturbing normalization of violence within the household, further compounded by the lack of intervention from both parents.
Despite the evident signs of distress, Colin Gray had reached out to school staff regarding his son’s need for counseling in the weeks leading up to the incident. He submitted a form for school counseling after concerns were raised, but ultimately failed to ensure Colt attended the scheduled appointments. A school counselor noted that Colin indicated financial concerns might hinder his son’s access to mental health services. Unfortunately, Colt missed several days of school leading up to the shooting, further isolating him from potential support.
Reports indicated that plans for Colt to attend counseling services in Athens, Georgia, fell through due to a domestic argument between his parents the day before the shooting. This last-minute disruption ultimately deprived Colt of much-needed help and guidance.
On the day of the shooting, Colin and Marcee received alarming text messages from Colt just minutes before the incident unfolded. In his texts, Colt expressed remorse, stating it was not his fault and apologizing to his mother. As news of the shooting spread, Colin Gray received distressing texts from his younger daughter, informing him that her middle school was on lockdown. Concerned for his family’s safety, Colin left work early, only to discover the gravity of the situation when he turned on the news.
When Barrow County sheriff’s deputies arrived at the Gray residence, Colin reportedly reacted with a lack of surprise. He expressed a chilling hope that his son had not been involved in the shooting. Ward testified that Colin’s demeanor did not convey remorse or shock, raising further questions about his awareness of the situation.
During a subsequent interview, Colin Gray mentioned that Colt had kept the rifle used in the shooting in his room for a week prior to the event. He had seen it propped against a guitar, indicating a troubling familiarity with the weapon that seemed to go unnoticed by him until it was too late.
Ultimately, a magistrate judge determined that there was sufficient probable cause for Colin Gray to face trial on multiple charges, including four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. The outcome of the hearing underscores the critical need for parents to engage with their children’s mental health and the warning signs of potential violence. As the case progresses, it will serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences that can arise when troubling behaviors are overlooked and neglected in a household.