Father of suspected Apalachee High School shooter requests change of venue for trial

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Colin Gray, the father of the suspected Apalachee High School shooter, has requested that his trial take place outside of Barrow County.

On Sunday, Colin’s legal counsel filed a motion for a change of venue, claiming the case’s high-profile nature and widespread media coverage have biased local jurors against him.

“The alleged victims were well-known citizens [of] this county with high public visibility and their alleged murder evokes great passion and prejudice in this community,” the motion said.

>> FULL COVERAGE OF THE APALACHEE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING

Holding the trial in Barrow County, the motion argues, would violate Colin’s right to a fair trial by an impartial jury.

Colin Gray faces two counts of second-degree murder, 19 counts of second-degree cruelty to children, two counts of involuntary manslaughter and four counts of reckless conduct. He has pled not guilty.

Law enforcement said Colin gave his son, 14-year-old Colt Gray, access to the AR-style rifle used in the deadly shooting.

Colin was granted a $500,000 bond in February, with the condition that he not contact witnesses.

Meanwhile, Colt faces more than 50 charges, including felony and malice murder. He has also pleaded not guilty.

On Sept. 4, 2024, a shooter opened fire inside Apalachee High School, killing four people and hospitalizing nine others.

The dead were identified as teachers Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie and 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo.

Colin faces the harshest charges ever brought against the parent of a suspected school shooter.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

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