Guilty verdict for US father of teenage school shooter

March 3, 2026

Colin Gray, a 55-year-old Georgia father, has been convicted of murder and child cruelty charges related to a 2024 school shooting carried out by his 14-year-old son at Apalachee High School that killed four people. Prosecutors demonstrated that Gray purchased an AR-style rifle as a Christmas gift for his son despite the teenager having been previously questioned by police about online threats to commit a school shooting and showing multiple warning signs of dangerous behavior. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours following a two-week trial, marking only the third instance in United States history where parents have faced criminal liability for mass shootings committed by their children.

Who is affected

Four victims killed: Christian Angulo (14), Mason Schermerhorn (14), Richard Aspinwall (39), and Cristina Irimie (53)
Multiple injured students and staff at Apalachee High School
Colin Gray (the convicted father)
Colt Gray (the 14-year-old son accused of the shooting)
Students and faculty at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia
The families and loved ones of all victims and injured parties
Classmates who witnessed Christian Angulo's heroic actions

What action is being taken

Colt Gray is currently awaiting trial for the shooting
Colin Gray faces sentencing (minimum 30 years in prison)

Why it matters

This case represents a significant legal precedent as only the third time in U.S. history that parents have been held criminally responsible for mass shootings committed by their children. The conviction establishes accountability for parents who provide weapons to children despite clear warning signs of violence, potentially deterring similar behavior by other parents. The case demonstrates that ignoring red flags—such as prior police investigations, deteriorating mental health, and documented plans for violence—can result in serious criminal liability, which may influence how parents handle firearm access and monitor their children's behavior in the future.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article (the sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled, and Colt Gray is awaiting trial, but no dates or specific future actions are provided).

Read full article from source: BBC