- In March 2026, a jury found Gray guilty of failing to restrict his son Colt Gray’s access to guns despite signs of violence.
Colin Gray, the father of the shooter involved in the Apalachee High School tragedy, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for negligence. A jury found him guilty of failing to restrict his son Colt's access to firearms, despite evident signs of violence.
During the sentencing, the judge emphasized Gray's parental failures, stating, “It is clear you failed as a parent.” He highlighted Gray's lack of action in sending his son to school, providing a stable home, and seeking counseling for him. The judge noted that Gray had gun locks but did not use them effectively.
The sentence includes 15 years for each of the students’ deaths, 10 years for each of the teachers’ deaths, and 11 years for child cruelty and reckless conduct convictions. However, these sentences will run concurrently, resulting in a total of 15 years with the possibility of parole.
District Attorney Brad Smith had requested a much harsher sentence of 80 years, reflecting the severity of the case and the impact of the tragedy on the community. Gray is expected to move from Barrow County jail to a state prison facility within the next 10 days, as reported by Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco.
“In March 2026, a jury found Gray guilty of failing to restrict his son Colt Gray’s access to guns despite signs of violence. This verdict highlights the legal responsibilities parents hold regarding firearm access for minors, especially in light of violent behavior.”
WSB-TV
