Murder trial begins for father of suspected school shooter

Colin Gray has pleaded not guilty to nearly 30 murder and manslaughter charges tied to the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School; opening statements are scheduled to begin Monday and the trial is expected to last about three weeks.

The father of the teenager accused in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting is now on trial on murder and manslaughter charges. Authorities say the September 2024 attack killed four people and injured others, and that the alleged shooter surrendered to law enforcement. Colin Gray has pleaded not guilty to nearly 30 counts and has been held in custody since his arrest; opening statements are set for Monday and the court expects witness testimony over about three weeks. Key points: - The shooting occurred on September 4, 2024 at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia; authorities reported that then‑14‑year‑old Colt Gray allegedly killed four people, injured nine others, surrendered and has been reported as admitting to the shooting. - Colin Gray is charged in connection with the attack, including two counts each of second‑degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, and has pleaded not guilty to nearly 30 charges. - Law enforcement had questioned the teen and his father in May 2023 about anonymous online threats; no charges were filed at that time, and investigators say the firearm used in the attack was purchased in December 2023 and given to the teen. - Prosecutors say they will call family members, survivors and behavioral health experts as witnesses; opening statements are scheduled to begin Monday and the trial is expected to last roughly three weeks. Summary: Prosecutors and defense will present opening statements and then witness testimony as part of a trial that will consider criminal responsibility related to the 2024 school shooting. The trial is scheduled to proceed over the coming weeks and the outcome is undetermined at this time.