Plea deal, sentencing scheduled for accused Apalachee High School shooter

ATLANTA (ANF/Gray News) — The 16-year-old Apalachee High School shooting suspect has been set to enter a non-negotiated plea deal and face sentencing later this month, court documents show.

Colt Gray is scheduled to appear in court on July 24 at 9 a.m. He previously pleaded not guilty to his multiple charges, which include four counts of felony murder, four counts of malice murder, four counts of aggravated battery, 25 counts of aggravated assault and 18 counts of first-degree cruelty to children.

On Sept. 4, 2024, Colt — then 14 — allegedly opened fire inside his high school in Winder, Barrow County, killing teachers Cristinia Irimie and Richard Aspinwall and 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. Nine others were also hospitalized.

Colt’s father, Colin Gray, was also arrested and found guilty of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct and more in connection with the shooting after his trial in March. Prosecutors said Colin ignored multiple warning signs about his son’s mental health and provided him with the AR-style rifle allegedly used during the shooting.

Colin is set to be sentenced on July 28 and 29.

Colt’s new court date was set just two days after Nicholas Primm, chief judge of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, said jury selection would begin in October using Columbia County residents.