Episode Details

Colin Gray is sitting in a Georgia courtroom facing 29 felony counts — including second-degree murder — because prosecutors say he handed his mentally deteriorating 14-year-old son an AR-style rifle as a Christmas present after what the state describes as a years-long parade of warning signs he allegedly refused to act on. This is only the second major trial in the United States testing whether parents can be held criminally responsible when their children carry out school shootings. Former prosecutor Eric Faddis breaks down every element of the case and explains why the evidence trail Colin Gray allegedly left behind could bury him.

The prosecution's timeline is staggering. In 2021, Colt allegedly searched "how to kill your dad" on a school computer. In May 2023, according to prosecutors, the FBI flagged online threats tied to Colt about a school shooting, and investigators reportedly told Colin to restrict gun access. Seven months later, according to the state, he gave his son an AR-15-style SIG Sauer M400 for Christmas. Then in August 2024, prosecutors allege Colt texted his father, "Whenever something happens, just know the blood is on your hands," and separately asked him to buy 150 rounds of ammunition.

The defense argues Colt led a double life and hid his intentions. They point to hidden phone notes allegedly showing Colt planned the attack for February 2025 to coincide with the Parkland anniversary. But prosecutors revealed Colt allegedly had a shrine to Nikolas Cruz in his bedroom. His mother was reportedly aware of his attempts to contact the Parkland shooter in prison. And the defense itself argued she never warned Colin — raising the question of how someone could claim ignorance when the alleged obsession was visible inside the home.

The state also alleges Colt shoved his mother to the ground when she tried to take the gun away, was reportedly hearing voices, and was given his mother's prescription Zoloft without ever seeing a doctor. The defense counters that Colin had scheduled a mental health appointment for Colt for the day after the shooting. Faddis explains whether that last-minute appointment helps the defense or actually proves the prosecution's case — that Colin allegedly knew his son was in crisis and still left the weapon accessible.

One of the most devastating moments from opening statements was the prosecution describing Colin's alleged reaction when officers arrived at the Gray home. According to prosecutors, he said, "I knew it. My little girl just texted me she's in lockdown. Please tell me your brother didn't do something." Faddis breaks down how those two words — "I knew it" — could define the prosecution's entire case.

This case is being compared to the Crumbley trials in Michigan, but Colin Gray faces second-degree murder charges — not involuntary manslaughter. Under Georgia law, the legal theory is that providing the weapon constitutes cruelty to children, and causing a child's death through cruelty qualifies as second-degree murder. Faddis explains whether this is a stronger or weaker framework than what convicted both Crumbley parents. With 25 witnesses testifying on day two alone — including roughly 20 juvenile students who described being shot, seeing blood, and fearing they would die — and Colin facing up to 180 years, Faddis gives his honest assessment of where this trial is headed.

#ColinGray #ColtGray #ApalacheeHighSchool #SchoolShooting #SecondDegreeMurder #ParentAccountability #CrumbleyComparison #GeorgiaTrial #EricFaddis #HiddenKillers

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