Apalachee High School marks shooting anniversary with vigil honoring victims
Vigil held to remember Apalachee shooting victims
On the one year anniversary of the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School, students and community members gathered to honor the four victims. FOX 5's Christopher King spoke with a father who attended the vigil. He has the story.
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - One year after tragedy struck at Apalachee High School, the Barrow County community is coming together to honor the lives lost and continue the healing process.
What happened at Apalachee
What we know:
On Sept. 4, 2024, a gunman opened fire inside the high school, killing two students and two teachers and injuring nine others.
The victims included teacher Richard Aspinwall, teacher Cristina Irimie, student Christian Angulo, and student Mason Schermerhorn.
The incident sent shockwaves through the community and left families grappling with unthinkable loss.
Fourteen-year-old Colt Gray was arrested and charged with 55 counts, including felony murder, in connection with the attack. He is being tried as an adult.
Prosecutors also charged his father, Colin Gray, accusing him of providing the gun used in the shooting despite knowing his son posed a danger to others. Authorities said the teen had previously been investigated after allegedly making an online threat against a middle school.
Deputies Chad Boyd and Brandon King, who were stationed at Apalachee that morning, received the National Association of School Resource Officers’ Award of Valor for running toward the gunfire and taking the suspect into custody. The award recognizes acts of courage and valor above and beyond what is normally expected.
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How victims are being remembered
What's next:
School leaders said it was important to open campus Thursday despite calls from some to cancel. The day has been designated as one of "prevailing love," with events including community service projects, mental health support sessions, and a keynote address from speaker Chris Singleton.
Additionally, state lawmakers joined families at the state capitol on Thursday, calling for more safety measures.
Apalachee High School shooting 1-year anniversary
It's been one year since the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. The community continues to heal, and lawmakers continue to work to make changes. Here is a total look at the anniversary.
"We don’t want to give this evil person any credit, any credibility. he took from us that day, but he’s not going to take anything going forward," said Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith. "The biggest reason for today is for remembering those four and their families and respecting them."
The day concluded with a 7 p.m. vigil at the school flagpole, which became a memorial site in the days following the attack.
William Phillip and his daughter attended the event.
"I think it’s great, and it always comes out where communities are strong in the wake of disaster," he said. "I'm completely hellbent on trying to prevent this from happening again."
Residents of Winder have also lined city streets with banners honoring the victims. Students, families and staff were asked to wear blue and gold, the school colors, as a sign of unity.
In the future, a community mural and benches are planned in remembrance of the victims.
MOST RECENT STORIES
- 1 year since Apalachee High School shooting: Foundation receives $1M
- Apalachee High School wellness initiatives aimed at helping students
- Mother of Apalachee High School shooting victim addresses SRO funding
- Angulo family reflects on loss as Apalachee High School begins new year
- Barrow County begins school year with $2M security upgrade
Changes since the shooting
Big picture view:
Since the mass shooting, the Barrow County has added weapon detection systems and advanced school mapping software. They have also increased the number of school resource officers. Additionally, they are speeding up the process of sharing student discipline records between districts.
J-Hall, where the shooting took place, will remain closed for the 2025-2026 school year. At this time, it is unknown if the J-Hall will reopen or if it will be removed and replaced.
RELATED STORIES
- Barrow County implements new security measures under Georgia law
- Barrow County School Board commits $2M to fully fund resource officers
- Barrow County School District to receive $1M after Apalachee HS shooting
- Mother of Apalachee HS victim to file lawsuit over missed warnings
Colt and Colin Gray
What we know:
At this time, trial dates have not been set for 14-year-old Colt Gray or his father, Colin Gray, who is accused of buying the gun used in the mass shooting for his son despite knowing his son was troubled.
Colt has been indicted on 55 counts, including felony and malice murder, aggravated assault, cruelty to children, and other charges.
Colin faces 29 charges, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, cruelty to children, and reckless conduct, accused of providing the firearm used in the shooting. The court denied his motions to suppress key evidence—including statements he made to investigators and the warrantless search of his home.
RELATED: Judge denies motion to suppress evidence in Colin Gray case
Colin Gray's trial was originally scheduled to begin Sept. 8. According to paperwork filed in Barrow County on Wednesday, a new trial date has been set for Feb. 9, 2026.