Investigators are working to uncover a motive behind Wednesday’s tragic school shooting in Georgia, while also seeking details about the weapon allegedly used by the 14-year-old suspect.
The shooting, which occurred early Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Winder, resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
The victims have been identified as teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53, along with students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. Nine additional individuals were injured during the incident.
The suspect, Colt Gray, a student at the school, surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and was taken into custody, the GBI reported. Gray faces murder charges and will be tried as an adult, according to the bureau.
On Thursday morning, the Department of Juvenile Justice confirmed that Gray was being held at the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center.
Chris Hosey, the GBI’s director, stated on Wednesday evening that an AR-style weapon was used in the shooting.
Officials are still investigating how Gray allegedly acquired the firearm and managed to bring it into the school. Jackson County Sheriff Jud Smith noted that Gray has been interviewed by investigators and the GBI, but no further details have been released.
Authorities have yet to determine a motive, and it remains unclear whether the victims were specifically targeted.
The FBI revealed that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office had previously interviewed Gray in 2023 after receiving an alert.
“Back in May 2023, the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received anonymous tips regarding online threats about a school shooting at an unspecified location and time,” the FBI statement read.
Read More: Suspect Apprehended After Shooting Sparks Lockdown at Apalachee High School
The agency added, “Within 24 hours, the FBI traced the post to Georgia, and the information was passed along to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for further action.”
