Colt Gray, a 14-year-old alleged shooter at Apalachee High School, reportedly faced physical harassment and bullying, with classmates frequently calling him “gay,” according to his father, Colin Gray. On the morning of September 4, Colt opened fire at the Georgia school, tragically killing two students and two teachers, and injuring several others.

In a phone call with authorities last year, Colin revealed that his son had endured relentless bullying. “They ridiculed him day after day,” Colin stated, adding that the harassment even escalated to physical contact. Colin also mentioned how hard it was for Colt to focus, particularly during his finals.

Colt, who had previously come to the attention of the FBI for allegedly threatening violence on Discord, had access to firearms at home, according to his father. Colin introduced him to hunting and gun safety, but the bullying Colt faced became overwhelming.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has confirmed that Colt Gray will be charged with murder as an adult. Colin Gray also faces legal action, including charges of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and cruelty to children, for allegedly providing firearms to Colt despite knowing he posed a danger to himself and others. These charges raise questions about the extent of parental responsibility in cases involving violent crimes committed by minors.