Apalachee High School Shooting – 2 students, 2 teachers killed

By Rena Tuamoheloa, September 6th 2024

A mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, left four dead, including two students and two teachers, and nine others hospitalized.

The suspect, 14-year-old student Colt Gray, has been taken into custody and will be tried as an adult. Gray had been investigated for online threats last year but was not arrested at the time.

The shooting, carried out with an AR-platform rifle, it began during morning classes and ended when Gray surrendered to a resource officer. Schools in the district remain closed as investigations continue. 

Lyela Sayarath, a junior at Apalachee High School, recounted her chilling experience sitting next to the suspected shooter, Colt Gray, moments before the shooting. Gray left their Algebra class without explanation, only to return later, armed and attempting to re-enter the classroom. A fellow student nearly opened the door but retreated upon seeing the gun. Gray then targeted the classroom next door, and the sound of rapid gunfire filled the air. Students hid behind desks, terrified. Lyela’s friend witnessed a classmate being shot and was covered in blood, is now visibly shaken. 

Lyela described Gray as a quiet and introverted student who rarely engaged beyond single-word answers during group projects. The horrifying events left students and teachers in shock and traumatized by the experience.