Apalachee High School Shooting: 16-Year-Old Colt Gray Pleads Guilty to 55 Charges

Victims' Families Testify

During the hearing, several relatives spoke. Shayna Aspinwall, widow of teacher Richard Aspinwall, stated that the families inherited a 'lifetime sentence of grief and trauma.' She spoke of her two daughters — aged 2 and 5 when their father died — and their lives 'forever marked by his absence.'

a lifetime sentence of grief and trauma

— Shayna Aspinwall, widow of teacher Richard Aspinwall, before the Barrow County Superior Court on July 24, 2026

Breanna Schermerhorn, mother of Mason Schermerhorn, said she did not forgive Colt Gray. She stated that the decision to bring the weapon and fire belonged to him alone.

A student wounded in the attack, whose identity was not disclosed due to her age as a minor, testified that she underwent multiple surgeries. She stated she remained unable to walk for approximately one year.

Colt Gray's Father Also Convicted

Colin Gray, Colt's father, was convicted in March 2026, notably for second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. He is accused of providing his son with the assault rifle used in the attack. His sentencing is scheduled for the week of July 27, 2026.

A Warning Ignored 14 Months Before the Attack

In May 2023, 14 months before the shooting, deputy sheriffs had questioned Colt and Colin Gray about an online threat attributed to the son. Colt Gray denied any involvement.

Timeline

1. May 2023
   Deputy sheriffs question Colt and Colin Gray about an online threat. Colt Gray denies involvement.
2. September 4, 2024
   Shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia: 4 killed, 9 wounded including 7 by gunfire.
3. March 2026
   Colin Gray, Colt's father, convicted for providing the rifle used in the attack.
4. July 24, 2026
   Colt Gray pleads guilty to 55 charges before the Barrow County Superior Court.
5. Week of July 27, 2026
   Colin Gray's sentencing scheduled to be announced.

What Remains Uncertain

Colt Gray's sentence has not yet been determined. Judge Nicholas Primm must set it at a future hearing, the date of which has not been specified in available information.

The precise definition of 'second-degree murder' under Georgia state criminal law is not detailed by available sources. This American legal qualification does not correspond directly to categories in French or Swiss criminal law.

24 July 2026 at 20:54

24 July 2026 at 21:43