The chilling tragedy that unfolded Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Georgia, which claimed four lives and left nine others injured in a devastating school shooting, revealed the gunman to be 14-year-old student Colt Gray.
Who is Colt Gray?
As investigators continue to piece together the details, here's what we know about the alleged shooter so far.
Authorities have confirmed Colt Gray is alive and in custody.
On Thursday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the 14-year-old's charges of four counts of felony murder, and police released his mugshot.
The four victims were Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both 14-year-old students, were joined by Christina Irimie, a 53-year-old math teacher, and Richard Aspinwall, a 39-year-old math teacher and assistant football coach, according to officials.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation disclosed that Gray was previously investigated by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office in 2023 after allegedly posting online threats, including photos of guns, suggesting a potential school shooting. The exact time and location of the threats are unknown.
At the time, Gray was 13 years old. His father indicated that, despite having hunting guns in the home, his son did not have "unsupervised access" to them.
Gray also denied making the online threats.
When deputies spoke with the father and son, the 14-year-old even expressed concern over the alleged rumor, telling them that "someone is accusing him of threatening to shoot up a school" and insisted that "he would never say such a thing, even in a joking manner," according to 11Alive.
The incident report shows that more FBI tips were examined two days later and revealed tips were coming from people in Australia and California who were worried about comments made by a Discord user.
The user profile of the Discord account also raised suspicions. Investigators observed that the account name was written in Russian and, when translated, spelled "Lanza," a reference to Adam Lanza, the perpetrator of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Investigators determined that the email belonged to Colt Gray and that the account had been created on April 2, 2023-after Gray had claimed to have deleted it when previously speaking with authorities.
In a follow-up interview, he claimed people were hacking his account and that he did not have access to Discord.
While the case was cleared shortly after due to not having enough evidence to substantiate the threats.
On Wednesday, September 4, law enforcement responded to reports of an active shooter at Apalachee High School at approximately 10:30am.
Colt Gray had used a platform-style assault rifle to claim the lives of four victims-two teachers and two 14-year-old students-while injuring nine others.
He quickly surrendered to officers. Gray told investigators "I did it" while being questioned, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith told CNN and added that he was "still talking" even after being read his Miranda rights.
"I never imagined that I would be speaking to the media over... the pure evil that happened today," Sheriff Smith said a press conference.
Colin Gray, Colts's father, told investigators that he had purchased the gun used in the killings as a holiday present for his son in December 2023, which further implies the gun purchase was months after authorities first contacted Gray and his family regarding the May 2023 shooting threats made online.
Colin Gray has now been arrested in connection with the shooting at Apalachee High School, reported the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The 54-year-old has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.
Colt made his first court appearance Friday morning at the Barrow County Courthouse.
The courtroom was at capacity with relatives and friends of the victims of the shooting.
Judge Currie Mingledorff II presided over the hearing and explained the decision to bring the suspect in was due to high interest in the case.
Colt Gray was described entering the courtroom in handcuffs and wearing a green jail uniform.
By order of the court, cameras were not permitted to show his face as he took his seat at the front of the courtroom.
Judge Mingledorff began by asking the 14-year-old if he was able to read and write in the English language and if he understood that he has the right to counsel.
Gray quietly replied, "Yes, sir," to the judge.
Mingledorff read the charges against Gray and the possible sentence for the crimes committed.
The judge then asked if there was a request for bond and was told no by attorney Zane Harmon.
Gray allegedly appeared to be shaking throughout the hearing, according to FOX5 Atlanta.
After Gray was dismissed, Mingledorff announced there would be another first appearance and called a recess.
Gray was, however, briefly brought back by the judge to clarify the possible sentences he noted earlier and the lawyers declined to seek bail.
His next preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 4.
Following the recess, Colt Gray's father, Colin Gray, made his first appearance in court.
Mingledorff began by asking Colin the same questions about being able to write and read English and whether he understood the charges against him.
Colin is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.
The judge explained his rights and the possible sentences should he be convicted.
A preliminary hearing date for the senior Gray was also set for December 4.
UPDATE #4 - September 5, 2024:
— GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) September 6, 2024
A few notes from our 8 p.m. news conference today:
Colin Gray was arrested on multiple charges earlier today. He knowingly allowed his son, Colt, to have the weapon.
(1/4) https://t.co/qenBmWBK8A
