Georgia Authorities Release Audio from High School Shooter’s Home Visit From Sheriffs

In a troubling development, Georgia authorities have made public audio recordings from a 2023 visit to the home of Colt Gray, the 14-year-old accused of committing a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals. This visit was prompted by an anonymous tip to the FBI regarding threats made in a Discord group chat, where Gray allegedly expressed intentions to “shoot up a middle school.”

On May 21, 2023, Jackson County sheriff’s officers conducted a face-to-face interview with Gray, who was just 13 years old at the time. The officers detailed their interactions in an investigation report following the FBI’s alert about the concerning online behavior.

During the questioning, Colin Gray, Colt’s father, expressed his frustration with the situation, labeling the visit as “b*****t” and a “terrorist threat.” He shared insights into his son’s struggles, stating, “He’s going through a lot…very difficult for him to go to school and not get picked on.”

Colin elaborated on the challenges Colt faced, including the impact of his parents’ divorce and their recent eviction. “He struggled at first with the separation. I’ve been taking him to school. He goes to Jefferson Middle School. He’s been doing really good,” Colin explained.

As the conversation progressed, the officer inquired about firearms in the household. Colin confirmed, “I do,” when asked if he had any weapons at home. He further clarified, “They are…I mean there’s nothing loaded, but they are…we do a lot of shooting, we do a lot of deer hunting. He shot his first deer this year.”

Colin expressed his shock at the situation, stating, “I’m a little taken back by the whole thing, but I can tell you this, I take that very serious and so does he, as a matter of fact.” He emphasized his commitment to gun safety, asserting, “I don’t know anything about him saying s**t like that. And I’m going to be mad as hell if he did, and then all the guns will go away and they won’t be accessible to him.”

The officer suggested that Colin should encourage Colt to engage in outdoor activities rather than video games, to which Colin agreed, saying, “Yeah. Exactly. Right. That’s the best. The God honest truth is, the picture on my phone is him with blood on his cheeks when he shot his first deer. It’s just the greatest day ever.”

Colin continued to stress the seriousness of the situation, urging the officers to communicate the gravity of the threats to his son: “So it’s kind of a little bit of a shock. So whatever y’all are telling him, please instill in him what if this is whatever or wherever some come from is no joke. No, like it’s no joke.”

The officer acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, stating, “We wouldn’t be here.” Colin reiterated his concerns about Colt being bullied at school, saying, “No, I know, I know, and I’m telling you right now we talk about it quite a bit. All the school shootings, things that happen. Yeah, I hear you getting picked on at school. He is. He’s getting picked on at school.”

As the interview concluded, the officer informed Colin that a report would be filed, stating, “There will be a report.” The conversation ended with a reminder of the importance of vigilance, as Colin noted, “No, you never really know.”

Colin Gray, 54, now faces multiple charges related to his son’s alleged actions, including four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. He is currently being held at the Barrow County jail, with authorities asserting that he knowingly allowed his son access to a weapon.

This tragic incident raises significant questions about parental responsibility and the impact of bullying on youth behavior. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of such violence in their schools.