The Brief The murder trial for Colt Gray has been moved from Barrow County to Columbia County following an unopposed defense request. Barrow County officials will still handle the prosecution and pay all trial costs, while the trial is scheduled to begin the week of Oct. 12.



Colt Gray, the teen accused of opening fire inside Apalachee High School, killing four people and injuring multiple others, now knows where his murder trial will be held this fall.

Columbia County jury

What we know:

Barrow County Superior Court Judge Nicholas Primm granted a defense request to move the trial out of Barrow County, stating that Columbia County will afford the parties a fair and impartial jury.

The change of venue was completely unopposed by the state. While the prosecution and the defense did not initially agree on a new county, neither side objected when the court suggested Columbia County.

Primm will still preside over the trial, and the Barrow County District Attorney's Office will handle the prosecution. All pretrial proceedings will continue to take place in Barrow County. Barrow County will remain responsible for all reasonable direct and indirect costs, reimbursing Columbia County for security, bailiffs and personnel.

Accused Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray walks into a Barrow County courtroom for a brief status hearing, where attorneys updated the judge on his pending psychological evaluation, on December 9, 2025. (FOX 5)

Apalachee High School shooting

The backstory:

Authorities said Gray walked into Apalachee High School on Sept. 4, 2024, carrying an AR-15-style rifle and opened fire.

The mass shooting killed 14-year-old student Christian Angulo, 14-year-old student Mason Schermerhorn, 53-year-old teacher Cristina Irimie and 39-year-old teacher Richard Aspinwall.

Seven additional people suffered injuries during the campus attack, and Gray was subsequently charged with four counts of felony murder.

The teen's father, Colin Gray, was found guilty in March on 27 felony counts, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children.

Prosecu

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