Father of suspected Apalachee High School shooter appears in court after trial delay

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Colin Gray, the father of the suspected Apalachee High School shooter, was in court on Friday.

The hearing featured testimony from multiple law enforcement officers with the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

The defense made attempts to suppress evidence before the case goes to trial. The prosecution argued their investigative work was done appropriately and with a signed search warrant.

Last month, Piedmont Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Nicholas Primm granted a request to delay Colin’s trial, which had previously been set to begin on Sept. 8.

The judge did not set a new trial date during Friday’s hearing.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Judge pushes back trial for father of suspected Apalachee High School shooter

Colin faces a slew of charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, 19 counts of second-degree cruelty to children, two counts of involuntary manslaughter and four counts of reckless conduct. He has pleaded not guilty.

The 54-year-old is accused of giving his son, 14-year-old Colt Gray, access to the assault-style rifle allegedly used in the shooting.

Primm previously ruled Colin’s trial will be held in Barrow County with a jury from Hall County.

Meanwhile, Colt faces more than 50 counts, from murder and aggravated battery to aggravated assault and child cruelty. He previously pleaded not guilty, but in May, prosecutors and defense attorneys indicated they were working on a plea deal.

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Friday also marked Apalachee High School’s return to class. School officials have added several safety provisions for the new year, including additional school resource officers, and said they’re brainstorming a memorial for the victims.

Matt Thompson, the deputy superintendent of Barrow County Schools, and other district officials attended the hearing while also monitoring the first day back on campus.

Fourteen-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo and teachers Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie were killed in the shooting on Sept. 4, 2024.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

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