Crime
Apalachee High School shooting suspect identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray
According to the GBI, 2 students and 2 teachers were killed in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia.
The shooter has been identified as Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student at the school, and he will be charged with murder.
There have been reports that Kolten Gray, another student at the school, was involved. These reports are inaccurate.
A law enforcement official has confirmed that an AR-15-style rifle was used in the mass shooting at Apalachee High School.
While the GBI has not released specific details about how the suspect obtained the weapon or the ammunition used, the investigation is ongoing.
In May 2023, the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received anonymous tips about online threats to commit a school shooting at an unspecified location.
The threats included photographs of guns. The FBI identified the post as originating in Georgia and referred the information to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office identified a possible suspect, a 13-year-old male, and interviewed him and his father.
The father stated that there were hunting guns in the house, but the suspect did not have unsupervised access to them.
The suspect denied making the threats.
Local schools were alerted for continued monitoring.
At that time, there was no probable cause for arrest or further law enforcement action at the local, state, or federal levels.
A photo depicts the home in Bethlehem, Georgia, where Colt Gray, the alleged 14-year-old suspect in the Apalachee High School shooting, resided with his father and two younger siblings.
The home is approximately 6 miles away from the school.
Original Report:
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reported that a suspect is in custody and alive. Previous reports suggesting the suspect was neutralized were incorrect.
The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office received reports of an active shooter at the school around 9:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Authorities are currently assisting students in reuniting with their families.
Sheriff Jud Smith described the incident as an act of evil and stated that the investigation is ongoing. He declined to provide further details about the victims.
Apalachee High School, which serves nearly 1,900 students in grades 9-12, had received a phone threat earlier that morning.
The threat warned of shootings at five schools, with Apalachee being the first target.
The origin of the call remains unknown, and authorities are investigating the matter.
Video Reveals the Gun Used in the Apalachee High School Shooting. A student recounted their harrowing experience during the school shooting, describing how they witnessed an automatic weapon lying on the floor in the hallway as they were exiting the building.
A special education math teacher, David Phenix, has been identified as the first victim of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School.
Phenix survived the attack but sustained gunshot wounds to the hip and foot, resulting in a shattered hip bone. He was immediately transported to the hospital for emergency surgery.
Crime
Brazoria County Deputy Jesus “Jesse” Vargas shot and killed in the line of duty
The suspect has been identified as Robert Lee Davis III, also known as Sean Christopher Davis, a 56-year-old male.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brazoria County Deputy Jesus “Jesse” Vargas, who was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty earlier today while serving his community.
Deputy Vargas, a dedicated 17-year veteran of the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, leaves behind his wife and three children, as well as a legacy of honorable service to his department and community.
Deputy Vargas was fatally shot while attempting to serve a warrant against a repeat violent offender for aggravated assault.
The suspect opened fire as Vargas approached, striking him fatally. The incident occurred on Stella Link Road near the I-610 South Loop in Houston.
Despite immediate efforts, Deputy Vargas succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital.
A massive law enforcement response ensued, with multiple agencies working together to locate the suspect.
The suspect has been identified as Robert Lee Davis III, also known as Sean Christopher Davis, a 56-year-old male.
Description of the Suspect:
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: Approximately 200 pounds
- Appearance: Black hair, brown eyes
- Clothing: Blue Nike hoodie with white lettering, blue jeans, and blue sneakers
A Blue Alert has been issued statewide. Law enforcement agencies, including K9 units and Texas DPS helicopters, are conducting an active manhunt to locate Davis, who remains at large. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any information to 911 immediately.
A perimeter has been established around the area, with roadways blocked and a significant police presence, including the Houston Police Department, Texas DPS, and members of the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Harris County Constable Alan Rosen have expressed their condolences and support.
Constable Rosen stated:
“We are praying for the officer shot while serving a warrant this morning. Please keep this officer and his family in your prayers. Deputies from my office are working tirelessly alongside other agencies to apprehend the suspect.”
The Houston Police Department confirmed the ongoing search via social media, noting that the suspect fled the scene after the shooting.
Deputy Vargas was deeply respected by his colleagues and community for his unwavering dedication and service. His passing is a devastating loss, not only for his family but also for the entire Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.
In this time of grief, we ask the public to join us in offering prayers and support for Deputy Vargas’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mental health and grief counseling services will be made available to members of the Sheriff’s Office and their families.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the investigation and the ongoing search for the suspect.
Deputy Vargas’s sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the risks taken by law enforcement officers to protect and serve. His commitment to justice and public safety will never be forgotten.