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The father of a 14-year-old student accused of opening fire at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, has been arrested in connection with the tragic incident. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced on Thursday that the father, Colin Gray, faces multiple charges, including murder, after the deadly school shooting that left four people dead, and nine others injured.

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Georgia Bureau of Investigation Leading Investigation

According to GBI Director Chris Hosey, the weapon used in the shooting was an AR-platform-style firearm. Colin Gray has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.

At a news conference on Thursday evening, Hosey stated that he was arrested for “knowingly allowing his son, Colt Gray, to possess a weapon." Colt, the suspected shooter, has also been charged with four counts of felony murder, and more charges are expected as the investigation continues.

The GBI reported that Colt Gray surrendered to school resource officers at the scene and was taken into custody just seven minutes after the first service call. The Barrow County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the school resource officers, confirmed this timeline.

4 Dead, 9 Injured

The victims of the shooting include two teachers and two students: math teacher and football coach Richard Aspinwall, 39; math teacher Christina Irimie, 53; and students Mason Schermerhorn, 14, and Christian Angulo, 14.

Additionally, eight students and one teacher were injured in the attack. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith provided an update on Thursday, stating that all injured victims are expected to recover. "Some are still in the hospital, while others have been released," Smith said.

Colt Gray is being held at the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center and will be tried as an adult. His court appearance is scheduled for Friday, where he will appear virtually.

Shooter Fascinated by Mass Shootings

Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting. Investigators have found concerning social media posts associated with Colt Gray that reference previous mass shootings and those who carried them out, suggesting he may have had a fascination with such events.

In a statement, the GBI emphasized the complexity of the investigation: “This is day 2 of a very complex investigation, and the integrity of the case is paramount. We ask for the public’s patience as we work to ensure a successful prosecution and justice for the victims.”

Autopsies for the victims are expected to be conducted on Thursday as the investigation continues.