By Rich McKay
ATLANTA (Multibagger) - In a tragic turn of events, suspected Georgia high school shooter Colt Gray is set to appear in state court where he faces murder charges after Wednesday's rampage that left four people dead and nine others injured.
The 14-year-old is currently held without bond in Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center and is expected to appear in front of a Georgia Superior Court judge in Barrow County via video on Friday morning.
Gray has been charged with four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult, according to officials. His father, Colin Gray, 54, is also facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children, as reported by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Authorities revealed that Colt Gray used an "AR platform style weapon," or semiautomatic rifle, during the attack at Apalachee High School, resulting in the deaths of two teachers and two 14-year-old students.
The shooter was apprehended shortly after the incident by school sheriff's deputies, and investigators are still looking into the possible motives behind the first U.S. campus mass shooting of the school year.
"Colin Gray knowingly allowed his son, Colt Gray, to possess a gun. Due to the active investigation, we're unable to release further details," stated the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The tragic event in Winder, a city located 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, has reignited the national debate on gun control and has brought forth an outpouring of grief in a country where such incidents sadly occur regularly.
The victims have been identified as 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, along with teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53. Additionally, one teacher and eight students were wounded in the attack, with the bureau confirming that the adult and six students were shot.
Analysis:
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States. It highlights the importance of stricter gun control measures and the need for increased awareness and prevention of such tragedies. As investors and individuals, it is crucial to stay informed about these events and advocate for change to ensure a safer future for all.