On September 4th, Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia suffered a tragic school shooting. Nine others were wounded, seven of which were shot; eight of which were students and one was a teacher. Those taken to the hospital are expected to make a smooth recovery. There were four casualties, among them two students and two teachers were killed.
Mason Schermerhorn had just started high school last month known by friends and family for his upbeat attitude. “Family members described Mason as someone who was always positive and always looked at the bright side of things,” according to Atlanta TV station Fox 5. Christian Angulo, like Mason, was a freshman at Apalachee High School. He is described by friends as a free spirit. “He was a very good kid and very sweet and so caring. He was so loved by many,” said his oldest sister, Lisette.
Richard Aspinwall was a beloved math teacher and football coach. “His love was genuine, and his heart was pure. His legacy will forever live on through those he touched. Coach A will forever be known as a hero,” said Marquel Broughton, one of his former players. Cristina Irimie taught math and was characterized by her deep care for her students. “Years ago, when she decided to go back to school to become a teacher we asked her why and she said she felt the calling to teach and care for children in her soul,” said Cristina’s close friend, Gabrielle Buth.
The shooter was Colt Gray, a 14-year old freshman. Gray was in algebra class when he left the room and returned with a semi-automatic assault rifle He was heard firing gunshots in the school, and shot eleven victims. Gray went to classrooms yelling at those inside telling them to “Open up!” Apalachee high school quickly went into lockdown as gunshots occurred throughout the school, many students frantically alerted their parents about the situation.
Investigators found notable evidence of Gray’s interest in shootings. Last May, FBI officials were notified of some disturbing threats linked to the suspect on social media platforms. They looked into the threats but were unable to definitively confirm that Gray made them at the time. It is highly concerning that a 14 year-old boy obtained access to a weapon of this caliber, and some of that blame has been shifted to the parents of the shooter. “My grandson did what he did because of the environment that he lived in,” Mr. Polhamus said.
After making his court appearance on Friday, the father, Colin Gray has been arrested due to him “knowingly allowing” his son to have the weapon, Gray was charged with “four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children,” according to CNN. The shooter, who confessed to his crimes, is not eligible for the death penalty, but will be tried in court for his actions. He has been charged with four counts of murder and will be tried as an adult.
