What testimony revealed during day two of Colt Gray's sentencing
Psychologist denies shooter has schizophrenia
Forensic psychologist Kevin Richards testified that Colt Gray struggled with depression and paranoia, and both parents used drugs.
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - A forensic psychologist testified that Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray can improve with treatment, while prosecutors argued the 16-year-old calculated the attack and exaggerated his mental illness.
The hearing is in recess for Monday, but will be back in session on Tuesday morning with more testimony.
Apalachee High School shooting testimony
What we know:
Defense and prosecution attorneys agreed during court testimony that 16-year-old Colt Gray grew up in a troubled home. Defense witness Dr. Kevin Richards, a forensic psychologist, testified that Gray experienced a dysfunctional household where both parents used drugs, faced financial hardships and had involvement with child protective services.
Richards stated Gray suffered from untreated depression and paranoia. While Gray previously claimed in a recorded police interrogation that he had schizophrenia and heard voices, Richards clarified during direct court testimony that Gray does not have schizophrenia.
A memorial for Cristina Irimie, Mason Schermerhorn, Richard Aspinwall and Christian Angulo in front of Apalachee High School in Winder on Sept. 11, 2024 (FOX 5)
Breanna Schermerhorn, whose son Mason Schermerhorn was killed, told the court on Friday she does not forgive Gray. Shayna Aspinwall, widow of Ricky Aspinwall, asked the judge to deny parole, while a wounded student survivor asked for a just outcome to bring peace.
Gray admitted guilt Friday to 55 charges after killing two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School nearly two years ago.
Online mass shooter obsession
What they're saying:
Richards testified that Gray found an online community on the Discord platform focused on true crime and mass shootings. Court testimony revealed Gray was obsessed with Parkland, Florida, high school killer Nikolas Cruz, even discussing sexual acts involving Cruz in online chats.
Sentencing hearing underway for Apalachee HS shooter
The defense team called a forensic psychologist Monday in an effort to earn parole eligibility for Colt Gray. Dr. Kevin Richards testified that Gray grew up in a dysfunctional household where both parents used drugs and child protective services had been involved.
A prosecution witness revealed Gray had more than 2,000 photos of Cruz on his cellphone. Investigators reported the number 38 was incised on the SIG SAUER M400 AR-style rifle used to kill students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and teachers Richard Aspenwall and Cristina Irimie.
An investigator testified that the number 38 was a reference and tribute to Sandy Hook Elementary shooter Adam Lanza, who fired 154 rounds in under four minutes, averaging about 38 shots per minute.
Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brad Smith questioned whether Gray faked his symptoms during treatment. "When he's telling you he's had psychotic symptoms, but he hasn't told anybody treating him for months about this isn't that sign that he's malingering to you?" Smith asked, to which Richards responded, "it's possible".
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Apalachee High shooting details
Timeline:
During court questioning, prosecutors noted Gray knew Cruz claimed to hear voices when arrested. In his police interview, Gray mentioned Cruz was notorious for faking schizophrenia during interrogations.
An investigator with the district attorney's office stated Gray's Discord chats revealed he chose Sept. 4 for the school shooting as a surprise for Cruz's birthday. Cruz's actual birthday is Sept. 24.
Barrow County judge decision
What we don't know:
It remains unclear whether Judge Nicholas Primm will grant Gray an opportunity for parole. The court has not yet ruled on whether Gray's mental health conditions and age make him redeemable under treatment.
SEE ALL APALACHEE HS SHOOTING COVERAGE
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from court testimony by forensic psychologist Kevin Richards, statements by Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brad Smith, recorded law enforcement interrogations played in court, and evidence gathered by investigators from the Discord platform.