Colt Gray: Georgia school shooting suspect, 14, faces court

A 14-year-old boy has faced court for the first time charged with murdering two classmates and two teachers in a gun attack at a Georgia high school.

Colt Gray, a pupil at the school, was arrested shortly after the shooting on Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Winder, near Atlanta.

He was charged with four counts of first degree murder and will be tried as an adult. Gray, who appeared in court in person, was told by the judge the charges carry a maximum penalty of death.

His father, Colin Gray, was also arrested in connection to the shooting, and is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder and cruelty to children.

During Friday’s brief preliminary hearing, Judge Currie Mingledorff II told the suspect that if convicted, his alleged crimes are punishable by death or life in prison, with or without parole.

Georgia is one of the US states that still carry out capital punishment.

The suspect’s lawyer did not request a bond at this time.

Colt Gray, wearing a dark green t-shirt, only spoke briefly to confirm he understood why he was in court and his rights.

His father, Colin Gray, is also making his first court appearance on Friday. He is scheduled to do so at 09:30 local time (14:30 BST).

Officials have accused the father of “allowing” his son to possess a weapon, and are investigating whether he gave him the AR-15 rifle used in the shooting.

Georgia law allows suspects aged 13 and up to be prosecuted as adults depending on the crime.

This means Colt Gray will face a potentially more severe sentence if convicted.