GBI Investigates School Shooting in Barrow County

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-09-05/frequently-asked-ques…

CASE UPDATES:

Update #5 - September 6, 2024:

Viral Social Media Threats Deemed Non-Credible

The public safety community is responding to an increase in school threat reporting following the shooting at Apalachee High School. Law enforcement wants to remind the public that making specific threats on social media will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

However, school safety hotlines and law enforcement often see increased reporting following a mass shooting incident, as students and the public are more apt to report suspicious activity or concerns. Reposting these online threats can cause undue panic and spread false information. To date, the majority of investigations into threats posted online since the Apalachee High School shooting have been deemed non-credible.

If you see or hear a threat, report it to local law enforcement immediately. Notify authorities but don’t share or forward the threat until law enforcement has had a chance to investigate.

UPDATE #4 - September 5, 2024:

A few notes from our 8 p.m. news conference today:

Colin Gray was arrested on multiple charges earlier today. He knowingly allowed his son, Colt, to have the weapon.

This is a very difficult time for students & parents and many are afraid. You’ve likely seen reports of incidents of other students making threats today at various schools around the state. In each of these incidents, police took charges and made arrests as we take each matter seriously.

This is a time for us a state to come together & remain vigilant. Students must be supported and encouraged to contact a member of school faculty with all concerns of suspicious activity.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

UPDATE #3 - September 5, 2024:

In coordination with District Attorney Brad Smith, the GBI has arrested Colin Gray, age 54, in connection to the shooting at Apalachee High School.  Colin is Colt Gray’s father.  

He is charged with the following: 

- 4 counts of Involuntary Manslaughter
- 2 counts of Second Degree Murder
- 8 counts of Cruelty to Children

UPDATE #2 - September 5, 2024:

Gray has been charged with four counts of felony murder in connection to the shooting at Apalachee High School yesterday. He was taken to the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center. Additional charges are expected. Gray’s first appearance will be tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m.

The autopsies of the four victims will be performed today at the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.

The investigation into the shooting at Apalachee High School is still active and ongoing. This is day 2 of a very complex investigation, and the integrity of the case is paramount. We ask for the public’s patience as we work to ensure a successful prosecution and justice for the victims.

UPDATE #1 - September 4, 2024:

Two students and two teachers died in the shooting at Apalachee High School earlier today. They have been identified as:
- Mason Schermerhorn, age 14 (Student)
- Christian Angulo, age 14 (Student)
- Richard Aspinwall, age 39 (Teacher)
- Cristina Irimie, age 53 (Teacher)

A few important points mentioned during our 9 p.m. news conference:
- At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that there were additional shooters. Investigators are actively pursuing all leads regarding any potential associates of the shooter.
- There is no evidence of a list of schools being targeted; however, there is a lot of evidence that is being recovered and evaluated. Investigators are diligently reviewing leads to determine if there are any active threats. 
- There was a call to another local high school this morning with a reported threat. Police responded, investigated, and determined there was no threat.

ORIGINAL RELEASE: 

Barrow County (September 4, 2024) - At the request of the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating a school shooting in Barrow County, GA. Two Apalachee High School students and two teachers were killed in the incident. Nine additional people (8 students, 1 teacher) were injured and taken to various hospitals with injuries. Colt Gray, age 14, has been arrested and charged with murder.

The preliminary information indicates on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at about 10:20 a.m., Barrow County authorities received alerts about reports of an active shooter. Radio chatter from an Apalachee High School resource officer also indicated an active shooter. Within minutes, law enforcement was on scene. Once on scene, law enforcement immediately located Gray. Gray surrendered immediately and was taken into custody.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Piedmont Judicial Circuit for prosecution.