Former neighbors of the Georgia high school shooting suspect recount harrowing stories of alleged abuse and chaos.

Family life of the suspected Apalachee High School shooter was described as chaotic by former neighbors.

Former neighbors of the Georgia high school shooting suspect recount harrowing stories of alleged abuse and chaos.
Former neighbors of the Georgia high school shooting suspect recount harrowing stories of alleged abuse and chaos.

The Georgia high school shooter's former neighbors offered a look into the family's tumultuous household.

The neighbors of 14-year-old Colt Gray in Statham, Georgia, where the family of the suspected shooter lived until they sold their home in Sep. 2019, were interviewed by Planet Chronicle Digital.

The anonymous owners of Gray's former home, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital, stated that the 8-acre property was in disarray when they purchased it in 2019.

Colt Gray's former residence
Colt Grey's former residence in Statham, Georgia. Saturday, September 7, 2024 (Ben Hendren for Planet Chronicle Digital)

Mauree Gray had informed the current neighbor's family and realtors about Colin's volatile mood on the day of the move, as warned by the neighbor.

"On the day we were closing on the house, Mauree approached us and instructed us not to make eye contact with Colin, who they referred to as Coly. She explained that he was in a bad mood and she was unsure of his actions."

"When he entered, he was extremely intoxicated," he stated. "His eyes were bloodshot and glossy. He didn't cause any trouble, but he also didn't engage in conversation."

During the move-in process, the neighbor claimed that the kids, including Colt, were left unattended.

"There was not much supervision," he said.

Gray's household growth chart
The childhood home of the Apalachee High School shooting suspect had a picture of Colt Gray's height through the years. (Obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital)

The Gray family measured the growth of Colt prior to their tumultuous divorce, which was revealed by the neighbor to Planet Chronicle Digital.

The family recorded Colt Gray's development over the years, as shown on the growth chart from 2017 to 2019.

Colt Gray's former residence
Colt Grey's former residence in Statham, Georgia. Saturday, September 7, 2024 (Ben Hendren for Planet Chronicle Digital) (Ben Hendren for Planet Chronicle Digital)

One elderly neighbor shared a heartbreaking story of her brief interaction with Marcee Gray, while other neighbors corroborated stories of Colin Gray's volatile mood.

"The elderly neighbor described how they saw Marcee running up their driveway with a child in hand during the day. She then ran towards their barn in the back and tried to get in. Suddenly, the neighbor saw Marcee's husband in a truck driving up and running towards the barn building."

"Colin ran towards Marcee, who was trying to enter the locked barn building. When I saw this, I went outside and yelled, 'What is going on here?' and Colin quickly left."

"The neighbor said, "When she exited the building, I informed her, 'I'm available if you require assistance,' and she expressed gratitude before disappearing from sight.""

An unexpected note was found on the elderly neighbor's front door the next day.

"She said, 'Thank you. You saved my life.' and it was signed, Marcee."

Colt Gray, charged as an adult with four counts of murder, leaves the the Barrow County courthouse
Colt Gray, charged as an adult with four counts of murder,  leaves the the Barrow County courthouse after his first appearance for the Wednesday shooting at Apalachee High School, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Winder, Ga.   (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, Pool)

Colt was described as "bright and witty" by another neighbor.

"The neighbor recounted how they gave Colt and his sibling, who were only two at the time, a ride on their horse. Colt was around 7 or 8 years old and was very intelligent, quick-witted, and adorable."

The home of the Apalachee school shooter
General view of the home of Apalachee school shooter Colt Gray and his father Colin Gray on Harrison Mill Road in Winder. Friday, September 6, 2024. (Ben Hendren for Planet Chronicle Digital)

After selling their Statham, Georgia home, the Gray family experienced a downward spiral, culminating in the parents' divorce. Colt moved in with his father, while the two younger siblings initially resided with their mother.

After their divorce, Colin and Colt Gray resided in two homes in Jefferson, Georgia until they relocated to Winder, Georgia. It was in Winder, Georgia, where they were living at the time of the tragic Apalachee High School shooting.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, four people were killed and nine were injured in a shooting. The two students killed were identified as Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. Math teachers Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie were also among the casualties, officials confirm.

Mason Schermerhorn
Mason Schermerhorn was killed in a shooting Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. (Barrow County Schools)

Timeline of Mass Shooting

At 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday, the sheriff's office was alerted to reports of an active shooter, with the initial shooting reported at 9:30 a.m.

Law enforcement arrived at the scene "within minutes," as stated by GBI director Chris Hosey.

Previously, Hosey stated that law enforcement responded very quickly to the incident.

An adult trial is being held for a 14-year-old who is accused of four counts of murder. The teenager is said to have used a semiautomatic AR-style rifle during the shooting.

Colin Gray, his father, is facing charges related to school shootings.

"Being a victim in this community isn't limited to physical injury," District Attorney Brad Smith stated on Friday. "Every child in that school was affected."

by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten

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