As the U.S. continues to face an epidemic of mass shootings and debates over gun control, a new legal precedent is emerging: holding parents accountable when their negligence contributes to school shootings.
Six months ago, Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted in Michigan after their son carried out a deadly shooting at Oxford High School. Their case set a powerful legal example—parents can now face criminal charges when they fail to act on warning signs and allow their children access to guns.
Now, in a case that echoes the Michigan tragedy, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Colin Gray, the father of the alleged shooter at Apalachee High School, on charges that include second-degree murder. This is the latest move in a growing trend: holding parents responsible when they provide firearms to children showing clear signs of violent behavior or making online threats.
The Georgia Shooting and Gray’s Arrest
On September 4, a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School claimed the lives of two students and two teachers, while nine others were injured. Before the shooting, Gray’s son reportedly struggled with mental health issues for months, “begging for help,” according to his aunt's statement to The Washington Post. In 2023, his son had even been the subject of an FBI tip for making threats on a Discord server, using a username referencing the Sandy Hook shooter. However, police dismissed these threats after investigating, and no further action was taken.
Despite these clear warning signs, just seven months after the FBI investigation, Gray allegedly gifted his son an AR-15-style rifle. According to Gray’s arrest warrant, he gave the gun as a holiday present. In Georgia, it is illegal for minors to buy a rifle, but they are allowed to possess one. If Gray hadn’t given his son the gun, the shooting may have been prevented.
Gray’s son now faces four counts of felony murder and additional charges. Gray, meanwhile, is charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and cruelty to children. Father and son appeared in court together and did not request bail. If convicted, Gray could face up to 180 years in prison, while his son may face life without parole.
Parallels to the Oxford High Case
The Gray case bears striking similarities to the 2021 Michigan shooting. In both cases, the parents ignored their son’s mental health struggles and provided him with a firearm, despite numerous red flags. After the Oxford High School shooting, the Crumbleys were each convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors argued that the parents not only neglected to address their son’s mental health issues but also bought him a gun, even though it was illegal for minors to possess one.
In both the Georgia and Michigan cases, law enforcement discovered disturbing evidence of violent ideation after the shootings. Prosecutors in Michigan pointed to several instances where the Crumbleys should have intervened but didn’t, ultimately enabling the tragedy. The same argument is being made in Georgia.
The Consequences of Ignoring Warning Signs
These cases highlight the growing issue of teen violence in the U.S. and expose the weaknesses of current systems meant to prevent these tragedies. In Michigan, school officials failed to search the shooter’s backpack, which could have revealed the gun. In Georgia, law enforcement couldn’t do more than have a conversation with Gray and his son after the online threats, leaving the door open for the deadly incident.
During the Crumbleys’ sentencing, Michigan Judge Cheryl Matthews said she hoped the lengthy sentences would serve as a deterrent for other parents. While it’s difficult to measure how many families have taken action after these cases, the Gray incident is yet another example of what can happen when warning signs are ignored.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 384 mass shootings in the U.S. so far in 2024—a staggering number that underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. The arrest of Colin Gray should serve as a reminder to all parents: if your child shows signs of violent behavior, it’s critical to take action before it’s too late.