What’s next after deadly school shooting at Apalachee High?
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WINDER, Ga. - Barrow County and its seat of Winder, Georgia, ed arguably America’s most shameful list this week, when it became the site of the nation’s latest deadly school shooting.
Now, the northeast Georgia region will soon be home to a trial that political, legal, social and community activists will likely use to showcase their own agendas in the endless controversy over the nation’s constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
What we know about the victims of Apalachee High shooting
Two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, were killed. Teachers Christina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39, also died.
Here’s what next after the Apalachee High School community continues to endure what Gov. Brian Kemp called, “everybody’s worst nightmare.”
What happened on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024?
Around 10:20 a.m., police responded to reports of an active shooter at Apalachee High School.
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What type of weapon was used?
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said an AR-15-style of rifle was used.
Who are the defendants?
Colt Gray, 14, and his father, Colin Gray, 54.
What are the charges?
Colt Gray has been charged with four counts of felony murder. Colin Gray has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter; two counts of second-degree murder; and eight counts of cruelty to children. Police said Colin Gray allowed his son to have access to the weapon allegedly used in the attack.
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Who were the victims?
Four people - two students and two teachers - were killed. They are Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. The teachers were Cristina Irimie and Richard Aspinwall. Nine others were injured. A full list of names of everyone injured has not yet been released.
Where will the case be tried?
In the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, which is composed of Barrow, Banks and Jackson counties.
Who is the district attorney?
Brad Smith.
Who is the judge?
Undetermined at this time, but Chief Superior Judge Currie Mingledorff presided over both defendants’ first court appearance Friday morning.
Who are the other judges in the circuit?
Judges Joseph Booth, Wayne McLocklin and Nicholas Primm.
Who are the defendants’ lawyers?
Undetermined at this time. During their respective court appearances, Zane Harmon, an assistant public defender from Jackson County, represented Colt Gray, while Donna Seagraves, a circuit public defender from Jackson County, represented Colin Gray. Both Harmon and Seagraves said alternate counsels for the father and son would be appointed later.
Are the defendants out on bond?
No. Bond was not requested for either Colt Gray or Colin Gray on Friday.
Where are the defendants being held?
Colt Gray has been booked in the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center. Colin Gray has been booked in the Barrow County Detention Center.
How much prison time could each defendant face?
The maximum penalty for each of Colt Gray’s four felony murder charges is life in prison with or without the possibility of parole. Colin Gray is facing up 180 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Are more charges coming?
Yes. On Friday, Smith said more charges will be filed against Colt Gray, and his office is still considering more charges against Colin Gray.
Will more people be arrested and charged?
Law enforcement officials have given no indication anyone else is under suspicion of involvement.
Is the death penalty on the table?
Not for Colt Gray, because of his age.
Has a grand jury been emed?
Yes. It will meet on Oct. 17, 2024, to hear evidence in the case, according to Smith.
When is the defendants’ next court appearance?
Dec. 4, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.
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