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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