Georgia Father Charged with Murder and Manslaughter in Connection to School Shooting
In a swift response to a school shooting in Georgia, state police have arrested and charged the father of the alleged 14-year-old shooter. Colin Gray is accused of making an AR-15 rifle available to his son, Colt Gray, who allegedly used the weapon in a deadly school shooting. The information was disclosed by police sources to NBC News, who stated that the father had given the rifle to his son as a gift. This action took place after the father and son had been questioned by police following a tip-off about a potential school shooting threat.
Charges Against the Father
The charges against Colin Gray stem from his alleged knowledge and consent in allowing his son to possess a weapon, as explained by Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) director Chris Hosey. The 54-year-old father is facing two counts of second-degree murder, four counts of involuntary manslaughter, and eight counts of cruelty to children. His son, Colt Gray, is currently held in a youth detention center and has been charged with four counts of murder. However, he will be tried as an adult.
The School Shooting Incident
According to police reports, Colt Gray used the AR-15, purchased by his father, to kill two 14-year-old students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. He also injured seven other students and two teachers. The young shooter surrendered immediately when confronted by police. The Barrow County Sheriff confirmed that the nine injured individuals are expected to make a full recovery.
A Trend in Charging Parents
The charges against Colin Gray could be indicative of a growing trend to hold parents accountable when they enable their children to access firearms, which then result in tragic consequences. Earlier this year, a precedent was set when the parents of a school shooter in Michigan were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to at least 10 years in prison. They were found guilty of failing to secure a pistol and ignoring clear signs that their son's mental health was deteriorating.
Background of the Case
Investigators had questioned Colt and Colin Gray more than a year prior to the shooting, following a tip-off from the FBI. The tip was based on a concerning message on the Discord platform, where someone was bragging about planning a middle school shooting spree and posting pictures of firearms. Despite this, no arrests were made due to inconsistencies in the information about the Discord account.
Family Concerns
The shooter's aunt, Annie Brown, revealed to the Washington Post that Colt Gray had been seeking mental health help. She also mentioned that she had expressed concern about Colt's access to firearms in a text message to a relative. Colt's grandmother had also sought help from a school counselor for her grandson.
The Mother's Criminal History
Colt Gray's mother, Marcee Gray, has a 17-year criminal history spanning three counties. Her charges include domestic violence, methamphetamine possession, property damage, criminal trespass, driving under the influence, and a civil fraud claim related to an alleged bad check.
Bottom Line
The criminal charges in Michigan and Georgia against parents who leave weapons unsecured and accessible to their children serve as a stark warning to those exercising their right to armed self-defense. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think parents should be held accountable for their children's actions when they have access to firearms? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
Georgia Father Charged with Murder and Manslaughter in Connection to School Shooting
In a swift response to a school shooting in Georgia, state police have arrested and charged the father of the alleged 14-year-old shooter. Colin Gray is accused of making an AR-15 rifle available to his son, Colt Gray, who allegedly used the weapon in a deadly school shooting. The information was disclosed by police sources to NBC News, who stated that the father had given the rifle to his son as a gift. This action took place after the father and son had been questioned by police following a tip-off about a potential school shooting threat.
