Georgia Judge Grants $500,000 Bond to Father of Apalachee High School Shooting Suspect
Background of the Shooting Incident
On September 4, 2024, Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student at Apalachee High School, allegedly opened fire inside the school, killing two teachers and two other 14-year-old students. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and raised questions about parental responsibility in gun violence.
Criminal Charges and Bond Proceedings
Colt Gray pleaded not guilty to 55 criminal counts, including 25 counts of aggravated assault. His father, Colin Gray, 54, pleaded not guilty to 29 criminal counts, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, a Georgia judge granted Colin Gray a $500,000 bond. To be released from jail, he would have to pay at least $50,000 in cash.
Prosecution’s Request for a Higher Bond
Prosecutors had requested a $1 million bond for Colin Gray. They argued that he lived in seven different residences over five years with Colt, and if he were to return home, he would pose a significant threat to his wife and other children, whom the state intends to call as witnesses at trial.
Defense’s Argument for a Lower Bond
Colin Gray’s attorney, Brian Hobbs, argued that his client was not a threat to the community. He emphasized that Colin Gray had no prior criminal record and had been cooperating with the investigation.
Victim Impact Statements
During Tuesday’s hearing, the court heard several emotional impact statements from victims of the shooting. Jerry McIlhenny, the grandfather of victim Taylor Jones, described the devastating impact the shooting had on his granddaughter, who was left with an iron rod in her leg from a bullet wound.
Breanna Schermerhorn, mother of 14-year-old victim Mason Schermerhorn, expressed her anguish and called for Colin Gray to be denied any influence on any child going forward.
Georgia’s Parental Responsibility Laws
Georgia is one of 42 states in the U.S. that holds parents criminally responsible for their children. This means that parents can be held liable for crimes committed by their children, even if they did not directly participate in the offense.
Precedent-Setting Trial
The trial of Colin Gray is being closely watched as it could set a new precedent for parents of children accused of committing mass shootings. Last year, a Michigan judge sentenced James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley, to serve 10 to 15 years in prison for their role in their son’s decision to open fire inside his school.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into the Apalachee High School shooting remains ongoing. Colt Gray’s trial is scheduled to begin later this year. The outcome of the case and the precedent it sets will have significant implications for the legal treatment of parents in school shooting cases.
