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The Guardian•1d agoSource

Georgia teen who killed four in school shooting sentenced to life in prison without parole

The News

Colt Gray, 16, was sentenced to life in prison without parole on July 28, 2026, for killing two students and two teachers in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on September 4, 2024. Gray pleaded guilty to 55 counts, including murder. The shooting occurred about 45 miles northeast of Atlanta. Gray was 14 at the time of the incident and was charged as an adult.

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The Analysis

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Why it matters

Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 counts, including murder.

Evidence

The shooting occurred about 45 miles north-east of Atlanta.

Uncertainty

5 claims still need verification.

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Key findings

0 assessed·5 unverifiable
◐ Unconfirmed
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Colt Gray, 16, had pleaded guilty on Friday to 55 counts, including murder, in the 4 September 2024, shooting at the school.

The Guardian
Legalscore: 80
  • Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 counts, including murder.
  • He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Plain English

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<p>Cole Gray pleaded guilty to 55 counts, including murder, for shooting at Apalachee high school in 2024</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST utm_campaign=BN22326 utm_content=signup utm_term=standfirst utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the…

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Claims

5 claims checked
0 assessed|0 inaccurate|5 unverifiable
◐ Unconfirmed
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Colt Gray, 16, had pleaded guilty on Friday to 55 counts, including murder, in the 4 September 2024, shooting at the school.

The Guardian
◐ Unconfirmed
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Gray, who was 14 at the time, was charged as an adult.

The Guardian
◐ Unconfirmed
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A US judge sentenced a teenager who killed two students and two teachers in a shooting at Apalachee high school in Georgia to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Guardian
◐ Unconfirmed
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The shooting occurred about 45 miles north-east of Atlanta.

The Guardian
◐ Unconfirmed
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Cole Gray pleaded guilty to 55 counts, including murder, for shooting at Apalachee high school in 2024.

The Guardian
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