The mother of the suspected shooter in the Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia has issued an apology to victims' families and revealed she had raised concerns about her son's behavior before the attack.
The mother of the 14-year-old suspect in the Apalachee High School shooting in Winder, Georgia, has expressed her deepest apologies to the victims' families in an open letter. Marcee Gray, 43, the mother of Colt Gray, conveyed her profound sorrow and heartbreak in the letter, which was shared with CNN.
"To the parents and families of those affected by the tragic events at Apalachee High School, I want to say that I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart," Gray wrote.
Mother of Georgia High School Shooter Apologizes, Warns of Concerning Messages
Just over a week ago, Gray is alleged to have opened fire at the school, leaving two students and two teachers dead. Seven other victims suffered gunshot wounds, while two more sustained injuries, according to police reports.
The victims were identified as Richard Aspinwall, 39; Cristina Irimie, 53; and Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14.
Mother of Georgia High School Shooter Apologizes, Warns of Concerning Messages
"If I could take the place of Mason and Christian, I would without a second thought," Gray stated in the letter. She also expressed her deep sympathy for the two teachers who lost their lives while protecting the students.
According to Gray, she had contacted the school counselor on the morning of the shooting, September 4, 2024, to express concern about a disturbing message she had received from her son. She revealed that the last message she had received from Colt was, "I'm sorry, Mom." His father had also received similar messages, including "I'm sorry" and "You're not to blame for this."
Mother of Georgia High School Shooter Apologizes, Warns of Concerning Messages
Marcee Gray's criminal record includes charges of drug use and property damage, as indicated by police and court documents. She acknowledged the pain and anguish she has caused in the new letter, writing, "We are all in a living nightmare right now, and I will personally never forgive myself for what has happened."
"My son Colt is not a monster. He is my oldest baby. He is quiet, thoughtful, caring, funny, and extremely intelligent," she wrote in defense of her son. "Please pray for him and the rest of our family, as I am praying for all of you every moment of every day."
Mother of Georgia High School Shooter Apologizes, Warns of Concerning Messages
Colt Gray faces four counts of felony murder, with additional charges anticipated. His father, Colin Gray, 54, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, four counts of involuntary manslaughter, and eight counts of cruelty to children.
The investigation into the school shooting is ongoing, and the full extent of Colt Gray's motive remains unclear. However, the revelations about his mother's concerns prior to the attack raise questions about potential missed opportunities to intervene and prevent the tragedy.
Mother of Georgia High School Shooter Apologizes, Warns of Concerning Messages
