Georgia School Shooting: Unstable Home Life and Previous Threats Emerge in Timeline

The Georgia high school suspect's tumultuous childhood and past violent threats come to light as authorities piece together a timeline of events leading up to the deadly shooting.

Colt Gray and his father, Colin Gray, lived in two rental properties in Jefferson, Georgia. The family was evicted from one rental in May 2022, according to court documents. After the divorce between Colin and Marcee Gray, Colt resided with his father at another rental home in Jefferson for a brief period.

By November 2023, Colin and Colt Gray had moved to a new rental property in Winder, Georgia. This address became Colt's primary residence until his arrest following the school shooting. In November 2023, Colt's mother, Marcee Anne Gray, vandalized her ex-husband's truck at the Winder property. The incident resulted in criminal charges and a prison sentence for Marcee Gray.

Georgia School Shooting: Unstable Home Life and Previous Threats Emerge in Timeline

The Apalachee High School shooting occurred on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Reports of an active shooter emerged around 9:30 a.m. Law enforcement responded swiftly, arriving at the scene within minutes. Colt Gray was quickly located and taken into custody. The 14-year-old is being charged as an adult with four counts of murder, accused of using an AR-style rifle to kill two students and two teachers.

The timeline of Colt Gray's childhood reveals an unstable home environment. The teen moved between at least three rental homes in a short period, following the divorce of his parents. According to his father's interrogation transcripts, Colt had struggled with the separation and faced bullying at school.

Georgia School Shooting: Unstable Home Life and Previous Threats Emerge in Timeline

In May 2023, Colt Gray allegedly made violent threats to shoot up his middle school, West Jackson Middle School. This incident led to an investigation by law enforcement. Colt's father told investigators that his son had faced social challenges and was being ridiculed by classmates.

Colin Gray, Colt's father, faces related charges in the shooting. Prosecutors aim to hold parents responsible for their children's actions in school shootings. District Attorney Brad Smith emphasized that the community and all students were victims of the tragedy.

Georgia School Shooting: Unstable Home Life and Previous Threats Emerge in Timeline

The Apalachee High School shooting has left a devastating impact on the community. In the aftermath, vigils and memorials have been held to honor the victims and support the survivors. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including Colt Gray's motive and any potential warning signs that were missed.