Apalachee High School shooting: Colt and Colin Gray make first appearances in court
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - The 14-year-old accused of a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County made his first court appearance on Friday morning.
The courtroom was packed with relatives and friends of the victims of the shooting, which claimed 4 lives and injured 9 others on Wednesday.
Judge Currie Mingledorff II explained to the courtroom that the decision to bring the suspect in was due to high interest in the case.
Colt Gray entered the courtroom in handcuffs, wearing a green jail uniform. The cameras did not show his face by order of the court as he took his seat at the front of the courtroom.
Judge Mingledorff first asked Gray if he was able to read and write the English language and if he understood that he had the right to counsel.
Gray quietly replied "Yes, sir" to the judge.
Apalachee shooting suspect, father appear in court
Colt Gray, who is accused of opening fire inside Apalachee High School on Wednesday killing four people and injuring nine others, and his father, Colin Gray, who is accused of supplying his 14-year-old son with the gun used in that shooting, both made their first appearance before a judge in Barrow County on Friday.
The judge then explained the charges against Gray and possible sentence for those charges. At that time, he asked if there was a request for bond and was told no by attorney Zane Harmon. Judge Mingledorff then explained Gray's rights, including the right to a preliminary hearing, the right to a speedy trial, and the right to confront and call witnesses.
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After Gray left the courtroom, Judge Mingledorff announced there would be another first appearance and called a recess until that time.
However, Gray was briefly brought back by the judge to clarify the possible sentences discussed earlier. He was also informed that a preliminary hearing was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 4.
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Colin Gray also makes first appearance
On Thursday night, it was announced that Colt Gray's father, Colin Gray, has also been arrested and is facing several charges, including involuntary manslaughter.
Colin Gray was brought into the courtroom at around 9:15 a.m.
Judge Mingledorff began by asking the senior Gray the same questions he asked Colt about being able to write and read English and if he understood the charges against him. The judge then explained his rights and the possible sentences if he is convicted. A preliminary hearing date was also set for 8:30 a.m. Dec. 4 for Colin Gray.
No bond was requested.
RELATED: Colin Gray not the first parent arrested after child accused of fatal shooting
Colin, who was seen shaking and rocking in his seat during his appearance, is being charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.
Colin Gray's arrest marks only the second time in U.S. history a parent has been charged in connection to a mass shooting.
"My understanding it's the second time in the US and the first time in Georgia," said Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith.
In the arrest warrants obtained by FOX 5, investigators stated that Colin Gray provided his son with a firearm with the knowledge he was a threat to himself and others.
The FBI and Jackson County Sheriff's Office made contact with Colin Gray more than a year before Wednesday’s school shooting to investigate reports that the then 13-year-old had made threats online to shoot up an unknown school. After interviewing the father and son, law enforcement officials determined there was not enough probable cause for an arrest or further legal action.
SEE ALSO: Accused Apalachee High School shooter’s troubled home life, potential warning signs
New charges expected for Colt Gray
DA Smith announced during a press conference after Colt and Colin Gray made their first appearances in court that there will be additional charges filed against Colt. However, it is not known at this time if Colt's father, Colin Gray, will face additional charges.
"I would hope that prosecutors would use every arsenal, or every tool in their arsenal, to hold them accountable for crimes that they commit," said Smith.
Smith said that a grand jury will meet on Oct. 17 and review the case. He told reporters the deadly shooting was an attack on the entire community.
"Absolutely. Not just the victims here, every victim and you don't have to be physically injured to be a victim. Everyone in this community. Every child in that school is a victim," Smith said.
The charges will be announced after they have done so and Colt Gray will be brought back to court for another first appearance related to the new charges.