The father of a teenage boy accused of carrying out a deadly school shooting in Georgia has been found guilty of second-degree murder and other charges, in a closely watched case examining parental responsibility in mass shootings.

After about two weeks of testimony, jurors deliberated for only a few hours before convicting 54-year-old Colin Gray on more than two dozen counts related to the 4 September 2024 attack at Apalachee High School.

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Gray had faced 29 charges, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct. Under Georgia law, second-degree murder includes causing the death of a child by committing cruelty to children. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Prosecutors argued that Gray acted with “criminal negligence” by giving his 14-year-old son, Colt Gray, access to a firearm and ammunition despite warning signs that the teenager posed a danger to others.

Four killed in 2024 attack

Colt Gray is accused of fatally shooting two students and two teachers with an assault-style rifle at the high school. He faces 55 charges, including four counts of malice murder and four counts of felony murder, and is being prosecuted as an adult. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

The victims were identified as teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53, along with students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. Another teacher and eight students were wounded in the attack.

During the trial, prosecutors contended that Colin Gray provided his son with access to the weapon after receiving sufficient warning that the teenager could harm others. The defense argued that the father did not believe his son would carry out such an attack and should not be held criminally responsible for his actions.

Broader legal trend

The case is part of a growing number of prosecutions targeting parents in connection with school shootings carried out by their children. In 2024, the parents of a Michigan high school shooter were each convicted of involuntary manslaughter and later sentenced to between 10 and 15 years in prison.

Legal experts say such cases reflect an evolving approach by prosecutors who seek to hold adults accountable when they are alleged to have enabled minors’ access to weapons.

According to the Associated Press, Colin Gray faces up to 30 years in prison. He will be sentenced at a later date.

The verdict marks a significant development in efforts to address responsibility beyond the individual shooter, as communities and lawmakers continue to grapple with how to prevent school violence.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 03.03 2026

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I suppose not allowing an under 21 to own a weapon is good? Maybe passing a mental health test could be added but most people with guns have never taken a mental health test.

"... The defense argued that the father did not believe his son would carry out such an attack..."

And that's why holding a parent criminally liable for a mass shooting committed by their child is extremely rare in the US!

The only remotely comparable case I could find on the Web is the Michigan “Crumbley” prosecution following the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, and even that involved involuntary manslaughter and not murder.

I think this Georgia verdict is notable because the jury accepted the argument that the parent’s negligence can rise to the level of criminal homicide.

That’s surely a major shift in a country where gun ownership is often treated as a sacred entitlement, shielded from even the most basic expectations of responsibility or accountability.

I’m pleased they are holding the father accountable,he knew his kid had problems and brought him a gun anyway.

This troubled kid made a shrine in his bedroom to honor another school shooter, of course the parents should be held accountable.

The fact that he named him Colt tells you all you need to know about this redneck a@@hole.

This is a great development, the kid was not properly raised, the father likely also worshiped guns and violence, bought or allowed his kid to have this gun, knowing that his kid was disturbed.

Lock them up.

The first step is, duh, banning guns.

If parents don't teach their kids about guns and keep them locked up, that's on the parents.

The father is getting what he deserves.

Kids are trained today by the promise of fame and shoot-em videogames. Waddya expect.

Kyle Rittenhouse's mom bought him the gun and drove him across state lines when he was 17, when he was able to shoot three people, killing two of them. No charges for her or the kid. This guy should have hired his lawyer.

BTW he just got married. Is he excited to go on his honeymoon, or is that an ammo clip in his pocket?

11 minutes ago, bendejo said:

Kyle Rittenhouse's mom bought him the gun and drove him across state lines when he was 17, when he was able to shoot three people, killing two of them. No charges for her or the kid. This guy should have hired his lawyer.

BTW he just got married. Is he excited to go on his honeymoon, or is that an ammo clip in his pocket?

You are making up your own version of events. Rittenhouse drove himself across the border and he was charged with a crime and found not guilty. Watch the video of the events, he acted in self defense.

On 3/3/2026 at 9:40 PM, Tug said:

I’m pleased they are holding the father accountable,he knew his kid had problems and brought him a gun anyway.

A prime example of horrible parenting. But how do you fix that issue ? Not easy at all.