Colin Gray trial: Father claims he never saw signs of 'evil' in son

Name: Colin Gray testifies in his own defense
Uploaded: 2026-02-27T07:17:20-05:00
Description: The defense rested its case in the murder trial of Colin Gray, the first parent in Georgia history to face charges for a school shooting committed by his child.

Colin Gray testifies in his own defense

The defense rested its case in the murder trial of Colin Gray, the first parent in Georgia history to face charges for a school shooting committed by his child.

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - The defense rested its case Thursday in the murder trial of Colin Gray after the defendant spent hours on the stand testifying that he never saw signs of "evil" in his son before the deadly school shooting. Gray is charged in connection to the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School.

What we know:

Gray began by offering a detailed look into his family life and his son’s history with firearms.

Colin described how his family moved when his son Colt was in the sixth grade after Colin underwent two back surgeries. He said he wanted to provide his family with a slower-paced lifestyle and spend more time connecting with his children.

At first, Colt appeared to be adjusting well, but Colin said his son reported being bullied in the seventh grade. That was also the year Colin said his marriage to Marcee Gray began to unravel. She later moved back to Fitzgerald with two of the children, leaving Colin and Colt in Jefferson.

Colin also explained what happened when he learned that Colt had conducted a Google search in 2021 related to killing his father.

Colt reportedly told him that he and his friends were venting, and that one friend was complaining about his own father, claiming the Google search was a joke. Colin said he explained to Colt how serious and concerning a search like that was.

Colin Gray also testified that he purchased the gun allegedly used in the mass shooting as a Christmas present for Colt. He said he told his son the firearm could only be used at a shooting range and that full possession would not be granted until he turned 18 and maintained good grades. Gray also said no loaded weapons were allowed inside their home.

Gray also recounted a 2023 visit from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office following an FBI tip about a school shooting threat. Gray testified that investigators told him they "didn't see an issue" with his son at the time.

Gray further detailed his efforts to bond with his son through outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, which he said were intended to reduce the boy’s screen time. He told jurors that despite occasional family arguments, his son never made threats toward the family or reached for a weapon.

"He had a healthy respect for weapons," Gray testified, adding that the household rule was for all firearms to remain unloaded.

Colin Gray begins testifying in his own defense

Colin Gray took the witness stand in a Barrow County courtroom Friday, offering a detailed look into his family life and his son’s history with firearms as the defense began its case in his murder trial.

In the afternoon, the prosecution sought to discredit Gray’s portrayal of his son, focusing on a long history of behavioral issues and missed warning signs.

Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith pointed to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for behavior that dated back to the first grade. Smith noted the records indicated the child would hit and kick others as often as two to three times per day.

"I wasn't involved in the behavior plan," Gray responded. When asked if he remembered the reports of physical aggression, Gray replied, "No, sir, I don't."

The cross-examination grew heated as Smith questioned Gray’s decision to allow his son access to firearms despite his mental health struggles. The prosecution highlighted a prior visit from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office following a tip that Colt was involved in a school shooting threat, as well as Gray’s own attempts to seek mental health help for his son just weeks before the shooting.

"Anger, anxiety, quick to be volatile... Does that sound like a child who should have access to an assault rifle?" Smith asked.

"I mean, to that point, even with his anger and being volatile at points at times... there was never any kind of threat or comment made from him," Gray said.

Gray was the only witness called by the defense. His testimony concluded the 10th day of the trial, moving the case toward its final stages. The judge and attorneys are scheduled to meet Monday at 9 a.m. for a charging conference, with closing arguments expected to begin at noon.

Trial highlights before today

What we know:

Prosecutors rested their case Thursday after calling final witnesses and showing jurors surveillance video from the day of the attack. The footage captured the accused gunman, Colt Gray, moving through the school before opening fire, killing two teachers and two students and injuring nine others.

Earlier in the day, a forensic investigator walked jurors through what prosecutors described as a "paper trail" tied to the rifle used in the shooting. Bank records and transaction logs were presented that the state says show Colin Gray purchased the semiautomatic rifle, along with ammunition and tactical accessories, at a time when he was expressing concerns about his son’s mental health.

Jurors have also seen text messages and Google searches in which Gray appeared alarmed about his son’s behavior, including a message to his daughter that read, "I can't tell what he's saying, but I can tell it's not good," and searches asking where to take a "troubled teen" near Athens and Winder.

The case hinges on whether Gray is criminally responsible for allegedly giving his son access to the weapon used in the attack. Prosecutors argue the teen had "really free access" to guns in the home despite warning signs and requests that firearms be secured. The defense has signaled Gray will be its only witness.

Colin Gray is facing a maximum of 180 years in prison if convicted of the 29 felony counts he is charged with.

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