The dad of Georgia school shooter Colt Gray has been arrested after it was alleged he bought a rifle for the troubled teen as a Christmas present.
Colin Gray, 54, was arrested by local authorities last night and charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.
In a press conference officials confirmed the father had knowingly allowed his son to have access to the firearm used in the fatal shooting.
READ MORE: Apalachee High School shooting sees ‘4 killed’ as students seen running for their lives
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(Image: Barrow County Jail)
Colt Gray, 14, was arrested on Wednesday at Apalachee High School, Winder, Barrow County, minutes after killing two students and two teachers with the semi-automatic weapon allegedly purchased for him as a Christmas present.
The FBI had already paid a visit to the Gray’s home in Georgia months previously because of concern about the family.
Neighbours reportedly saw Colin return to the family home on Wednesday evening following the shooting, although it is unclear if he handed himself into custody.
Speaking to DailyMail.com, one neighbour said they were “terrified” following the new charges Colin had been slapped with, adding the family had “kept themselves to themselves” and stuck out from the rest of the community during their two years at the house.
(Image: AP)
“These charges stem from Mr. Gray knowingly allowing his son, Colt, to possess a weapon,” GBI Director Chris Hosey said during a press conference last night.
“His charges are directly connected with the actions of his son and allowing him to possess a weapon.”
In Georgia, second-degree murder charges can be punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison. Colin’s arrest is the latest example of prosecutors holding parents responsible for their children’s actions after school shootings.
It comes as Colt Gray’s aunt shared chilling posts on Facebook after the 14-year-old was charged as an adult.
(Image: ERIK S LESSER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
The relative wrote she would “take care” of Colt and “what he needs on his side” as she vowed: “I am not scared, I will not back down.” The posts have now been deleted.
She had written: “I will NOT disrespect other parents and families that are dealing with this tragedy on the opposite end. They DID NOT DESERVE THIS!!!! I WILL NOT do anything but humbly support the families involved in this incident that did not ask to be participants!!!!
“With that said, I WILL NOT leave my nephew standing alone!!!! When Uvalde happened, I told my own children that ‘only hurt people hurt people.'”
The social media posts sparked fury online as tributes poured in for the four victims of the shooting – 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, 39-year-old teacher Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, 53, another teacher.
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