School shooting suspect allegedly carried rifle into Apalachee High School in his backpack, authorities say

ATLANTA (WANF/Gray News) – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the suspected shooter in last week’s deadly Apalachee High School shooting brought an AR-style rifle with him to school in a backpack.

On Thursday, the agency said 14-year-old Colt Gray, who has been charged with four counts of felony murder, asked a teacher if he could go to the front office and speak with someone. The teacher allowed Gray to leave and take his belongings with him. Gray, according to police, then went to a restroom and hid from teachers.

Later, according to authorities, Gray took out the rifle and began shooting.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the assault-style rifle suspected of being used in the shooting could not be broken down, but Gray, the agency said, nevertheless was able to conceal it in his backpack.

Gray is the suspect in the shooting that left two students and two teachers dead and nine others hospitalized on Wednesday. Police have said Gray will try as an adult.

He has been booked into the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center and is facing four counts of felony murder.

His father, Colin Gray, 54, was charged this past Friday with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. Police say he knowingly allowed his son to have access to an AR-15-style rifle that was allegedly used in the shooting.

A Dec. 4 court date has been set for both Colt Gray and Colin Gray. Brad Smith, district attorney for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, said a grand jury has been impaneled and will consider formal charges against them on Oct. 17.