Mother of accused Apalachee High shooter testifies as father Colin Gray faces murder-related charges trial

Key witness testimony centers on family turmoil, access to firearms, and warnings before the 2024 attack

The mother of the teenager accused of carrying out the Sept. 4, 2024, shooting at Apalachee High School testified in court this week as prosecutors pursue murder-related charges against the boy’s father, Colin Gray. The case has drawn national attention because it tests how far criminal responsibility can extend to a parent when a minor uses a gun from home in a mass attack.

Authorities allege that Colt Gray, who was 14 at the time, brought a rifle to school and opened fire during morning classes. Two students and two teachers were killed and nine other people were injured. Colt Gray has been charged with 55 felony counts, including murder and aggravated assault. His trial date has not been publicly set.

Colin Gray, the teen’s father, is on trial facing a slate of charges that include second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, based on allegations that he provided access to the weapon and failed to secure firearms despite warning signs about his son’s behavior and mental health. Prosecutors have argued that the shooting was foreseeable and preventable if the firearm had been secured and if escalating concerns had been addressed.

On the witness stand, Marcee Gray described a family history marked by separation, instability and conflict. She testified about her struggles with addiction and the loss of custody of her children after a failed drug test. She also described a period of incarceration followed by treatment in a rehabilitation program, and later returning to live with the family for several weeks in the summer of 2024.

Her testimony focused heavily on her observations of Colt Gray’s anxiety, volatility and aggressive outbursts. She told jurors she believed he needed professional intervention and said she had urged steps toward crisis-level care. She also testified that she pressed Colin Gray to lock up firearms in the home after the family no longer had a functional gun safe due to moves.

The court also heard testimony about earlier warning signs. Marcee Gray said the family had been contacted years before the shooting after a school reported that Colt Gray searched online for “how to kill my dad.” She further testified about comments she interpreted as alarming in the weeks before the attack, including references to a “school shooter outfit,” and described a physical confrontation in August 2024 over her son carrying a gun around the house.

Marcee Gray testified she called the school on the morning of the shooting after receiving a message that made her fear something was wrong.

During proceedings, the defense challenged aspects of Marcee Gray’s credibility and sought a mistrial after portions of her testimony characterized Colin Gray’s behavior toward their son. The judge denied the request and instructed jurors to disregard the disputed statements.

• The shooting occurred Sept. 4, 2024, at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia.
• Four people were killed and nine were injured, according to testimony presented in court.
• The father’s case centers on access to the firearm, storage practices, and what he knew about warning signs.

The trial is continuing, with additional testimony expected to focus on communications within the family, the steps taken or not taken to secure weapons, and how investigators believe the attack unfolded.