The father of the accused Georgia high school shooter, Colin Gray, abandoned the family’s dogs and wedding photos when they were evicted from their rental home in 2020. The landlord claimed that the Grays were slow to leave the property and left behind their German Shepherds, as well as other belongings such as a golf bag, an archery set, assorted tools, and their wedding photos. Despite attempts to return some of these items, they were left behind, with the rental owner having to discard the wedding pictures. Colin returned to the house after being evicted to retrieve the firearms he had left behind, kicking in the door to get his guns back.
Colt Gray, the 14-year-old who is now a suspect in the Apalachee High School shooting, was one of three children who were forced to vacate their home with their parents following the eviction. The shooting at the high school resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including two students and two math teachers. In court, Colt was warned he could face life in prison and his father, Colin, was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including manslaughter and second-degree murder. The charges stem from Colin purchasing the AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting as a Christmas gift for Colt.
The former landlord of the Gray family expressed shock and sadness upon hearing about the tragic events involving the family. He had forgotten about the family until their names appeared in the news following the school shooting. The father, Colin, had returned to the rental property after the locks were changed to retrieve his guns, causing minimal damage and prompting police to advise against pressing charges. The landlord reflected on the situation, expressing disbelief at the series of events that had unfolded, especially given the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
According to reports, Marcee Gray, Colt’s mother, has a history of drug and domestic violence arrests. Prior to the shooting, neighbors in Jefferson, Georgia, reported issues with the family, including disturbing incidents where the children, Colt and his sister, were locked out of the house at night. These incidents were described as heartbreaking and devastating by neighbors, with concerns being raised about the well-being of the children. The Grays had only moved into the neighborhood in 2022, with immediate problems arising shortly after.
The charges against both Colt and his father, Colin, are connected to the firearm that was used in the high school shooting. Authorities revealed that Colt received the rifle as a gift from his father just months before the tragic incident. The charges include allowing Colt to possess the weapon, contributing to the events that led to the shooting. A day after the shooting, Colin was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including cruelty to children. The tragic outcome of the school shooting has brought attention to the family’s troubled history and the role played by the parents in the events that transpired.
