Overview
- Judge Nicholas Primm sentenced Colt Gray to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after a three‑day hearing to decide whether he could ever be released.
- Gray pleaded guilty July 24, 2026 to 55 counts, including four counts of malice murder, in the Sept. 4, 2024 attack that killed two teachers and two students and wounded others.
- Prosecutors introduced Discord messages, a notebook, recorded jail calls and police interviews to show Gray idolized past mass shooters and sought fame, which they argued demonstrated planning and motive.
- The defense presented evidence of a chaotic childhood, DFCS involvement and mental‑health treatment that improved his behavior in custody while a defense psychologist said Gray showed no signs of schizophrenia and could respond to therapy.
- Colt’s father, Colin Gray, who was convicted in March of charges including second‑degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for providing the rifle, is scheduled to be sentenced later this week and the case is fueling debates over juvenile charging, parental liability, online subcultures and school safety.