The mother of the teenager suspected of committing a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia expresses her remorse and sympathy for the victims and their families in a letter. Marcee Gray apologizes and states that she would change places with the victims if she could. She describes her son, 14-year-old Colt Gray, as not a monster but as a caring, intelligent, and humorous individual. She requests prayers for him and their family, as she prays for the victims and their loved ones.
Colt Gray has been charged as an adult with four counts of murder in the tragic event that took place on September 4. His father is also in custody and facing felony charges for allowing his son access to the semiautomatic assault-style rifle used in the shooting. Marcee Gray claims that she tried to warn the school about her son’s potential for violence just minutes before the incident occurred. She recounts speaking to a school resource officer and urging them to check on Colt upon receiving ominous texts from him that morning.
In an interview with ABC News, Marcee Gray reveals that her son had sent alarming messages to his father and her, prompting her to contact the school. She recounts being informed that one of Colt’s teachers had previously expressed concerns about him making references to a school shooting. Investigations conducted by the Jackson County sheriff’s department last year also revealed that Colt and his father were looked into over similar concerns. Despite denial from Colt during an interview with deputies and lack of definitive evidence linking him to the threats, he was not charged at that time.
The release of body camera footage from the previous investigation shows Colt denying the allegations during questioning by authorities. The footage portrays the interaction between the teenager and deputies, showcasing his verbal denial of having made any threats to carry out a school shooting. Authorities ultimately did not pursue charges against him due to the lack of conclusive evidence linking the teen to the threats made on the gaming platform Discord. The case sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing potential threats and preventing tragic events like the school shooting at Apalachee High School.
