with the school shooting carried out by their child, Cullen noted. But here in Georgia, we have a conviction and a sentencing for murder, and the murder is going to be 15 years. While Colt Gray pleaded guilty to his actions, Colin Gray went to trial, creating a record of evidence that his defense team may challenge. Colin Gray chose not to offer any remarks or statement of remorse during his sentencing. Cullen pointed out that this silence was a strategic necessity on the advice of counsel to protect his upcoming appeal. Colin had a trial, which gives him a lot more that he can appeal, Cullen said. Any statement that he would make in a situation like this would be under oath. That could potentially hamper his appeal in some way if there's something they want to appeal and then he makes a statement that contradicts that. Despite running the sentences concurrently, Primm did not absolve Gray. He described the father and son as inextricably tethered together, declaring Colin Gray to be the but-for cause of the tragedy. Primm detailed how Gray failed in his basic parental obligations, pointing out that but for his failure to secure his firearms in a gun safe, and but for his failure to seek psychiatric counseling or remove the weapons when his son showed severe signs of distress, the tragedy would not have happened. Following the sentencing, Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith held a press conference, reflecting on the immense grief of the victims' families and reiterating that there are no winners here. Cullen believes Thursday's ruling establishes a powerful deterrent that will be watched closely by prosecutors nationwide. The precedent it sets is that you are criminally liable as a parent for your children's actions in certain situations, he said. You are not just responsible. You are going to be criminally liable if you do not act. Moving forward, Cullen said the case could serve as a catalyst for legislative battles regarding mandatory safe-storage laws and parental accountability, perhaps altering how prosecutors handle juvenile gun violence. Atlanta News First podcasts are available now on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | YouTube You can watch these award winning stories and more right now free on the ANF+ app available on streaming devices and smart TVs. Download our Atlanta News First app for your latest news and information.