Trial of accused Apalachee High School shooter moved to Columbia County

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The judge overseeing the case of Colt Gray, accused of killing four people and injuring nine others in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting, announced Wednesday afternoon the trial will be held in Columbia County.

In his order, Nicholas Primm, chief judge of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit - who has given Colt Gray until the end of July to reach a plea deal - said jury selection will begin Oct. 13, 2026, using Columbia County jurors.

Read Primm’s order below:

The Sept. 4, 2024, shooting took place in Winder, Georgia, the seat of Barrow County, but during a May status hearing, Primm said Colt Gray’s trial would likely be held in Columbia County, near Augusta, and would likely begin in mid-October.

Columbia County neighbors Richmond County, whose seat is the city of Augusta.

Colt Gray’s father, Colin Gray, was convicted earlier this year on charges he allowed his son access to the AR-style rifle recovered after the shooting, as well as a variety of ammunition and accessories recovered at the crime scene and at Colin’s residence.

Prosecutors said Colin Gray knowingly allowed Colt access to firearms despite his knowledge of his son’s unstable mental and emotional condition.

Colin Gray was found guilty of two counts of murder in the second degree; two counts of involuntary manslaughter; five counts of reckless conduct; and 18 counts of cruelty to children in the second degree. He is facing a maximum of 180 years in prison.

Colin Gray’s sentencing has been set for July 28-29, 2026. His trial took place in Barrow County, but used jurors from neighboring Hall County, which is also where jury selection took place.

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