3 March 2026
AP reported that Colin Gray, Colt Gray’s father, was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in a related case; that conviction does not determine Colt Gray’s guilt or resolve the pending charges against him.
AP
10 June 2026
CBS News Atlanta reported that Barrow County Superior Court Judge Nicholas Primm granted Gray’s motion for a change of venue, citing extensive coverage and difficulty seating a fair and impartial local jury.
CBS News Atlanta
10 June 2026
CBS News Atlanta reported that the case was tentatively scheduled for trial on 12 October 2026.
CBS News Atlanta
11 July 2026
CBS News reported that court documents filed Friday in Barrow County Superior Court in Winder, Georgia, indicate Gray is set to change his plea when the parties appear on 24 July 2026 for a plea and sentencing hearing.
CBS News
11 July 2026
CBS News reported that Gray faces a total of 55 counts, including malice murder, aggravated battery and aggravated assault.
CBS News
12 July 2026
AP reported that a judge set a “Non-Negotiated Plea and Sentencing Hearing” for Colt Gray to begin on 24 July 2026.
AP
12 July 2026
AP reported that Gray, 16, had previously pleaded not guilty to charges including murder.
AP
12 July 2026
AP reported that Gray was charged as an adult with 55 total counts, including murder, cruelty to children and 25 counts of aggravated assault; the charges are unproven allegations in Gray’s case.
AP
12 July 2026
AP reported that a non-negotiated plea means the state and defense have not reached an agreement on a sentence and sentencing is left to the judge after each side may present a summary and recommendation.
AP
12 July 2026
AP reported that Gray’s trial had been set to begin in mid-October in Columbia County after the judge agreed to a defense request to change venue.
AP
12 July 2026
AP reported that the 4 September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School killed teachers Richard “Ricky” Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14.
AP
12 July 2026
AP reported that another teacher and eight more students were wounded in the 4 September 2024 shooting, with seven of them hit by gunfire.
AP
24 July 2026
AP reported that Colt Gray, 16, pleaded guilty to all 55 counts, including murder, without having reached a deal with prosecutors.
AP · added 3 Aug 2026
24 July 2026
The Guardian reported that Gray's non-negotiated plea meant no sentence was agreed and that Judge Nicholas Primm would determine the punishment after hearing case summaries and evidence.
The Guardian · added 3 Aug 2026
24 July 2026
The Guardian reported that Gray's plea removed the need for the October 2026 trial that had been scheduled.
The Guardian · added 3 Aug 2026
27 July 2026
AP reported that forensic psychologist Kevin Richards testified that Gray had a chaotic and lonely upbringing and had immersed himself in an online community interested in mass shootings.
AP · added 3 Aug 2026
28 July 2026
AP reported that Barrow County Superior Court Judge Nicholas Primm sentenced Gray to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
AP · added 3 Aug 2026
28 July 2026
CBS News Atlanta reported that Gray was taken away by officers after Judge Nicholas Primm informed him of his rights to appeal.
CBS News Atlanta · added 3 Aug 2026