‘Broken And Neglectful Home’: Georgia Teen Shooter’s Mother Was Arrested Regularly, Father

The 14-year-old accused of a deadly US shooting at Georgia’s Apalachee High School grew up in a “broken and neglectful home,” according to a report. Colt Gray’s mother Marcee has a lengthy criminal history that includes drug and domestic violence charges, New York Post reported.

His father, Colin Gray, 54, is facing serious charges for providing Colt with an AR-15 rifle, which was used in the shooting that left two students and two teachers dead. Neighbours described the Gray family as troubled from the start, the newspaper said.

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‘It was constant abuse’

Lauren Vickers, who lived next door, recounted distressing incidents where Colt and his sister were locked out of their home, crying for their mother. “It was constant abuse,” Vickers said, noting that the children often appeared unkempt and hungry. Colt’s maternal grandfather, Charles Polhamus, described him as a “good kid” who was affected by a “hostile” home environment, where he faced verbal abuse from his father.

In May last year, police visited the Gray home after Colt reportedly threatened to shoot up his middle school on Discord. Although the police were unable to confirm the threat, they advised Colin to secure his firearms. Despite this warning, Colin reportedly purchased the AR-15 for Colt as a Christmas gift in December 2023. This weapon was later used in the tragic shooting on September 4 during which Colt also injured nine others.

Murder Charge

Colt appeared in court on September 6, charged with four counts of murder. His father, Colin, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and child cruelty. Both father and son are being held accountable in a case that highlights the growing trend of prosecuting parents for their children’s actions in school shootings.

Colt’s aunt, Annie Brown, revealed that he had been struggling with mental health issues and had sought help from those around him. She said, “The adults around him failed him.” According to the Post, Marcee’s criminal record spans 17 years and includes various offenses, while Colin Gray has been described as trying to be a responsible parent despite the chaotic home life.

US investigators are now examining the family’s history with child protective services to understand the factors leading to the shooting. Vickers, who reported the family’s issues to authorities multiple times, expressed frustration over the lack of action taken. “They came, talked to me, and did nothing,” she said.