Questions remain over how Colt Gray obtained gun in Apalachee High School shooting

Colt Gray, 14, and his father, Colin, appeared in court Friday to face charges related to the killing of four people and wounding of nine others at Apalachee High School in Georgia. But questions remain about how the student obtained the gun he allegedly used to kill two students and two teachers Wednesday.

One aspect of the case remains unanswered: Colin’s role in enabling Colt to obtain the AR-style weapon allegedly used in the attack. Colin, who faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder in the killings, could be the third parent convicted in a U.S. school mass shooting committed by a child. In April, Jennifer and James Crumbley, whose son Ethan killed four students at Oxford High School in Michigan in 2021, were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to at least 10 years in prison. A judge said today that Colin could face up to 180 years in prison if convicted.

What weapon was used in the Georgia school shooting?

At a news conference Wednesday, authorities confirmed that the shooter used an AR-style rifle, a lightweight, semi-automatic weapon. AR-style rifles are among the most popular firearms in the United States and have been used in several other shootings, including the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in July.

The Firearms Manufacturers Association defines the AR-15 as a sporting rifle. Its semi-automatic function means that once the shooter pulls the trigger to fire a shot, the rifle automatically reloads. A fully automatic weapon will continue to fire as long as the shooter keeps the trigger held down.

Are AR-style rifles legal in Georgia?

Georgia law does not allow minors to own handguns, and it is illegal for an adult to sell or give a handgun to a minor “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly.” Federal law states that citizens can only purchase shotguns, rifles and ammunition if they are over 18, but there is no minimum age in Georgia to own a rifle or shotgun.

How did the alleged shooter obtain the weapon?

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Colt’s father, Colin, “knowingly permitted his son” to “possess a weapon” as the reason he was charged.

Due to the ongoing investigation, the GBI was unable to provide further details, including whether Colin gave the gun to his son, as some media outlets have reported.

Why is it important that Colin Gray gave his son a gun?

Authorities investigated the Grays in May 2023 following reports that Colt had made online threats regarding a shooting at an unspecified middle school in Jackson County, Georgia.

During that investigation, according to the police report obtained by Yahoo News, authorities advised Colin to keep his shotguns under guard around Colt, whose name was associated with the online threats. Colt denied the allegations at the time.

Colin reassured authorities in 2023 that Colt did not have “unrestricted access” to the weapons.

What we know about the survivors

According to the GBI, nine people were injured in the shooting: eight students and a teacher. The GBI also said that of those nine people, one adult and six students were shot. While some are still in the hospital, the nine surviving victims are expected to make full recoveries.

One of the victims, David Phenix, works in the tutoring field and as a golf coach. Phenix’s wife, Leesa Wells Phenix, and his daughter both posted updates on Facebook about David’s condition. Leesa Phenix said early Friday morning that her husband had no complications following two surgeries and was stable.

“He was shot twice; both shots missed ALL organs and veins or arteries. His top hip bone (the iliac, which is the flat part that forms the hip) was shattered, but the surgeon was able to put the three larger pieces back together,” Lessa said in her post. “His foot went right through, right in an area that had no bone or tendons. Best case scenario!”

Phenix was Richard Aspinwall’s neighbor, who also left his class after hearing noises in the hallway. Both were shot, with Phenix being treated by his colleague and two students. Aspinwall did not survive his injuries and died Wednesday.

The town of Winder, Georgia, home of Apalachee High School, will hold a vigil Friday night, titled “A Light in the Darkness,” to honor all victims, dead and alive, according to a town announcement on Facebook.

“This event will honor those who lost their lives and the families affected through a memorial service,” the city wrote in the event post.