Colt Gray’s grandfather, Charlie Polhamus, revealed the troubled family dynamics preceding the Apalachee High School shooting. Polhamus, an 81-year-old former world champion pole vaulter, claims Colt’s father, Colin Gray, 54, significantly contributed to the teenager’s violent behaviour. According to Polhamus, Colin frequently engaged in physical confrontations with Colt and displayed narcissistic tendencies.
Polhamus alleges that Colin’s detrimental influence and lack of a supportive environment led to Colt’s actions. Despite this, he acknowledged Colt must be held accountable for the school shooting. He criticised Colin for allowing Colt unrestricted access to inappropriate TV content and the internet.
Polhamus described Colin and his daughter Marcee’s relationship as tumultuous, labelling Colin as narcissistic and evil. He stated that Marcee, recently jailed and under restrictions from contacting Colin without a mediator, had a criminal record spanning four Georgia counties. Her offences include drug use, domestic violence, and property damage.
Polhamus and his wife Debbie had to rescue Marcee from Winder, Georgia, where Colin and Colt lived. He recounted an incident where Colt threatened him after observing holes in doors and walls caused by the teenager. Polhamus criticised the presence of unlocked gun cases in the house.
Marcee’s criminal history includes a November 2023 arrest for drug possession and vehicle fraud. She was sentenced to five years in jail but served only 46 days before probation. Marcee’s father blamed Colin for her criminal behaviour, claiming he coerced her into obtaining drugs for his pain medication addiction.
In a November 2023 incident, Marcee allegedly vandalised Colin’s truck and tied her 78-year-old mother to a chair at their home in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Marcee was later arrested and charged with aggravated battery, criminal trespass, and false imprisonment.
#BREAKING: Body camera footage shows interview of #Colt_Gray and #ColinGray on 2023 school shooting online threat. A year after, he killed 4 people and wounded 9 others. pic.twitter.com/pBtG7yAzcG
— 𝕏 🕵🏻♀️🦋L̤̮E̤̮G̤̮🅰️C̤̮Y̤̮🦋🕵🏻♀️ 𝕏 (@iamlegacy23) September 10, 2024
Polhamus defended his daughter, emphasising her academic achievements and blaming Colin for her downfall. He denied any claims about Colt’s sexuality, asserting he was a “man’s man” and a good athlete. Polhamus had coached him in baseball and football.
During their court appearance, Colt Gray admitted to the Apalachee High School shooting, while Colin appeared emotional. Both faced severe charges, with the potential for Colin to receive up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP News reports on the Georgia school shooting, where a 14-year-old suspect and his father, both charged, are linked to the deaths of four people and injuries to nine others.(read more)
- CBS News reports that 14-year-old Colt Gray, a student at Apalachee High School in Georgia, opened fire on teachers and students, killing four and injuring nine, despite earlier warnings and tips about online threats.(read more)
- CBS News reports on the arrest of Colin Gray, the father of the Georgia high school shooting suspect, who faces charges including involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Colt Gray’s grandfather say about his behavior before the shooting?
He said Colt was ‘punching holes in doors’ and threatened to ‘f*** him up’.
Who does Colt Gray’s grandfather blame for the shooting?
He blames Colt’s father, Colin Gray, calling him a ‘narcissist’ and ‘evil.’
What kind of environment did Colt Gray grow up in?
Colt grew up in a tumultuous environment with physical altercations and lack of guidance.
What did Colt Gray’s mother, Marcee, do before the shooting?
Marcee had a criminal record, including drug use and domestic violence, and was in rehab.
What were the legal consequences for Colin Gray and Marcee after the shooting?
Colin could face up to 180 years in prison, and Marcee had multiple charges dropped.