A 14-year-old student from Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, has been charged with four counts of felony murder in connection with a tragic shooting that occurred on Wednesday morning. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced that additional charges are anticipated.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of two teachers, Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53, and two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14 years old. Eight students and one teacher sustained injuries but are expected to recover, according to Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith.
The suspect, identified as Colt Gray, surrendered to school resource officers at the scene and has been charged as an adult. He is currently being held at the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court virtually on Friday morning.
An AR-platform-style weapon was used in the shooting. Authorities are still investigating how Gray obtained the firearm and brought it into the school. The school had recently implemented a new safety system that allows teachers to alert law enforcement during an active incident.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and there is no indication yet if the victims were specifically targeted. The GBI has asked for public patience as they work through what they describe as a complex investigation.
Investigators conducted interviews following previous concerns in May 2023, when Gray, then 13, was questioned about alleged threats to commit a school shooting. The FBI received anonymous tips regarding online threats, which included photos of firearms. However, at that time, local authorities found insufficient evidence to take action.
The GBI is performing autopsies on the victims, and further details about the investigation will be provided as they become available.