Testimony in the sentencing phase continues in superior court for Colt Gray. On Friday, Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges related to the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder.
Prosecutors say Gray’s social media and saved images on his phone showed a fixation with mass shooters, particularly the Parkland, Florida shooter, Nikolas Cruz.
Prosecutor Patricia Brooks:
“What kind of type of evidence are we going to start with in talking about the defendant’s idolization of the Parkland shooter?” “The first category is listed evidence of obsession, so basically, things that show or prove that he was obsessed, essentially, with the shooter, said Investigator Ashley Gilland,”
On Friday, family members of the victims made statements to the court, including Mason Schermerhorn’s mother, Breanna.
“As much as I have felt that I needed to hold on the hate that I have felt, I know that I can’t,” Schermerhorn said. “Not only for my own health, but how can I say love like Mason…That’s why I’m choosing to continue to learn from Mason and honor his legacy. I want to be very clear that I do not forgive Mr. Gray."
Barrow County Superior Court Judge Nicholas Primm must determine if Gray will receive the maximum sentence of life without parole, or a minimum of life with the possibility of parole.
