Colin Gray was found to have purchased the AR-15 his son Colt allegedly used in the tragic Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia on September 4, just months after Colt had been investigated by the FBI for making alleged online threats.
In May 2023, authorities interviewed the 13-year-old suspect about the rumored threats to commit a school shooting.
Colt's father told authorities he had hunting rifles in the house but explained, "Colt is allowed to use them when supervised but does not have unfettered access to them," according to ABC7.
Colt also denied making the online threats, expressing concern that "someone is accusing him of threatening to shoot up a school" and insisted he would "never say such a thing, even as a joke."
Authorities have determined that Colin Gray bought the AR-style weapon as a gift for his son in December 2023, months after the initial interview with the FBI.
The 14-year-old apparently had an affinity for mass shooters, such as Adam Lanza, multiple sources familiar with the investigation told ABC News.
Two teachers and two students were killed in Wednesday morning's shooting: math teacher and football coach Richard Aspinwall, 39; math teacher Cristina Irimie, 53; and students Mason Schermerhorn, 14, and Christian Angulo, 14.
Colt is charged four felony murders.
A motive has not yet been determined, and it is unknown if the victims were targeted.
"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," the Georgia Bureau of Investigation explained Thursday.
Colin Gray has since been arrested in connection with the shooting at Apalachee High School.
The 54-year-old has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.
Both father and son appeared in court today for bond hearings.
