WINDER, GA — Jurors are now hearing from the father of the accused Apalachee High School shooter as the defense presents its case in Barrow County.
Colin Gray has pleaded not guilty to 29 counts, including second-degree murder, in connection with allegations that he provided his son, Colt Gray, the AR-style weapon used in the school shooting.
Taking the stand, Gray described his son as a caring and respectful child.
“He was a good kid. He was a compassionate little kid, and, you know, he was really a thoughtful young man. He would help me fold laundry. He would help me cook. I was trying to teach him to cook. It was a little bit of a disaster at first, but, you know, he was respectful, and he appreciated all the things that I would try to buy for him when I could. And he really, you know, the bonding part, which started the whole thing of woods and shooting and all that, really, I felt, had helped. You know, it helped him and I just, you know, get that father-son bonding,” Gray testified.
Prosecutors argue Gray bought the rifle used in the attack despite concerns about his son. The defense maintains he was a hopeful father who should not be held accountable for his son’s actions.
Earlier in the trial, prosecutors presented video from inside the school. GBI Special Agent Lucas Beyer described the 41-second attack that killed four people: Christian Angulo, teachers Cristina Irimie and Ricky Aspinwall, and Mason Schermerhorn.
“The door was opened in that classroom, and he entered that classroom and proceeded to shoot,” Beyer testified.
Beyer also described the moments leading up to Schermerhorn’s death.
“Colt turned around, saw Mason Schermerhorn coming out of the bathroom…” Beyer said. “Mason turned around and tried to flee, unfortunately he turned right around to face Colt Gray and he was shot at that point.”
Barrow County District Attorney Investigator Ashley Gilleland testified about accessories and equipment Colin Gray allegedly purchased for his son.
“Ammunition, 1-point bungee sling, a green laser for a rifle, there was a gun range visit, a flashlight laser combo for $65.99,” Gilleland said.
Gilleland also testified that Gray searched online for security measures and counseling.
“There is a search for a gun safe,” she said.
She also testified Gray searched, “Where do I take my son for anxiety near Winder Georgia.”
Defense attorney Brian Hobbs highlighted text messages between father and son that he says show love and concern.
“He says I love it here man,” Hobbs read, referring to a message from Colt about Apalachee. “Colt I’m about to dang cry, you have no idea how much your happiness means to me,” Colin responded.
If convicted on all 29 counts, Gray faces up to 180 years in prison.
WSB Radio’s Veronica Waters contributed to this story.
