Fourteen-year-old Colt Gray, standing accused of a mass shooting at Apalachee High School, has entered a plea of not guilty, in a judicial move that also saw him waive the process of arraignment. This decision follows a grand jury indictment charging him and his father Colin Gray with a slew of crimes tied to the tragedy that claimed four lives and injured nine others in early September. As reported by FOX5 Atlanta, the victims were two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, alongside teachers Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie.
Colt's charges include malice murder and felony murder, along with various assault and cruelty charges. Colin Gray faces charges such as second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter and was called out by investigators for purchasing a weapon for Colt. He was also questioned about a separate school shooting threat, as well as for buying ammunition, a high-capacity magazine, and a tactical vest, according to statements obtained by WSB-TV. The prosecution has painted a disturbing picture, detailing Colt Gray's alleged obsession with school shooters, his meticulous plans filled with drawings, and even his attempt to create a 'school shooter outfit.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the complexities of this case begin to unfold with stark gravity for the community awaiting justice. Colt is expected to be tried as an adult, although the court’s timeline for his next appearance is currently unclear. Meanwhile, his father, Colin Gray, is scheduled for arraignment on November 21, 2024. The GBI's input adds further grim layers to an already dark narrative; Special Agent Lucas Beyer testified that Colt Gray managed to smuggle the rifle into the school by disguising it as part of a school project, concealing parts of it with rolled-up poster board.
