Apalachee High School shooting: Mental eval still incomplete for Colt Gray

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - A Barrow County teenager accused of carrying out the deadliest school shooting in Georgia history appeared before a judge for a status hearing Tuesday afternoon, as attorneys confirmed critical mental-health evaluations are still underway and additional evidence has now been turned over to the defense.

Apalachee High School shooting

The backstory:

Colt Gray, now 15, faces 55 criminal counts—including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and child cruelty—stemming from the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. 

Investigators say Gray, who was 14 at the time, opened fire inside the school, killing two students and two teachers and injuring several others.

His father, Colin Gray, faces separate charges for allegedly providing the semiautomatic rifle used in the shooting.

In September, Apalachee High marked the one-year anniversary of the tragedy with a day of service, encouraging students and staff to participate in volunteer efforts across Barrow County as a tribute to the victims and a show of support for survivors.

Colt Gray's mental evaluation

What they're saying:

The status hearing, which lasted only minutes, focused almost entirely on the unfinished psychological evaluation that has slowed the case for months.

Defense attorney Aisha Broderick told the judge the report is still in progress and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

"We are still waiting for that evaluation to be completed, which will assist in determining what additional motions need to be filed so that we can dictate what path this case needs to take based on potential findings of additional motions," Broderick said.

Broderick is the third attorney to represent Gray since his indictment in October 2024. She told the court that earlier motions, large volumes of discovery and the ongoing medical review have prolonged the process. She also confirmed that previously subpoenaed medical records from the Department of Juvenile Justice were delivered to the court and will be released to the defense.

The judge asked whether anything could delay the evaluation further, and Broderick said she did not expect any obstacles. After confirming no discovery issues remained, the court accepted a new scheduling order drafted by prosecutors and agreed upon by the defense.

Colin Gray's trial

Dig deeper:

Gray’s father, Colin Gray, faces separate charges after prosecutors alleged he provided the semiautomatic rifle used in the attack despite knowing his son had the potential to harm others. His trial has been severed from his son’s case to prevent jury bias and is expected to begin in February.

Earlier this year, Gray’s former attorney suggested a possible plea could be considered after his father’s trial. That trial, now delayed until February, will use a Hall County jury to avoid potential bias.

Possible civil action ahead

The other side:

Meanwhile, the family of one of the victims, student Christian Angulo, has signaled plans to pursue legal action. They claim multiple agencies—including the Barrow County school district—ignored warning signs that could have prevented the shooting. Attorneys for the family argue there were "multiple failures" allowing Gray to obtain the weapon and access the school campus.

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Colt expected back in court

What's next:

A follow-up hearing is now set for March 18 at 9 a.m., when the court will reassess next steps once the evaluation is complete.