Guilty verdict for US father of teenage school shooter
BBC World
March 3, 2026
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The father of a teenage boy who carried out a deadly school shooting in Georgia was found guilty of murder, child cruelty, and other charges. Colin Gray, 55, was convicted for failing to prevent his son, Colt Gray, from killing four people during the rampage at Apalachee High School. This case marks the third instance in the U.S. where a parent has been held criminally responsible for a mass shooting committed by their child.
Prosecutors argued that Gray ignored multiple warning signs of his son's deteriorating mental state and violent tendencies, including a detailed plan to commit the shooting. Despite being aware of these red flags, Gray provided his son with an AR-style rifle, which he used in the attack. The jury found him guilty after only two hours of deliberation following a two-week trial.
The shooting occurred when Colt Gray entered the school armed with the rifle. He targeted students and teachers, killing Christian Angulo, Mason Schermerhorn, Richard Aspinwall, and Cristina Irimie. During the incident, Christian Angulo heroically pushed the shooter out of the classroom, saving his friends by shutting the door before being shot.
Gray's legal team attempted to shift blame onto his son, claiming he alone made the conscious decision to commit the attack. However, prosecutors emphasized that Gray had ample opportunity to prevent the tragedy by taking action against his son's dangerous behavior.
The case highlights the growing issue of parental responsibility in preventing such incidents. Authorities had previously interviewed both Gray and his son after receiving anonymous tips about online threats. At the time, no further action was taken due to insufficient evidence, but Gray's subsequent failure to act on these warnings led to severe legal consequences.
Gray now faces a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison. The trial underscores the importance of recognizing warning signs and the potential impact of gun access on vulnerable individuals. It serves as a stark
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/3/2026