Apalachee, Georgia – A week after the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School that claimed the lives of two teachers and two students, the mother of the suspected shooter has penned a letter to parents offering her condolences and apologizing for her son’s alleged actions.

Marcee Gray expressed deep remorse for the loss of life and injuries caused by the shooting, stating that she would willingly take the place of those who were killed.

She also emphasized that her son, Colt Gray, is not a monster, despite the severity of the charges he faces.

Read Marcee Gray’s full letter:

To the parents and families of those affected by the tragic events at Apalachee High School, I want to say that I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart. If I could take the place of Mason and Christian, I would without a second thought. As a parent, I’ve always said that the loss of one of my children would be the only thing that I wouldn’t be able to come back from. I feel all of your pain and devastation. I grieve and cry with you. My heart breaks for the two teachers who gave their lives while in the service of teaching and protecting our children. We are all in a living nightmare right now, and I will personally never forgive myself for what has happened. My son Colt is not a monster. He is my oldest baby. He is quiet, thoughtful, caring, funny, and extremely intelligent. Please pray for him and the rest of our family, as I am praying for all of you every moment of every day. Love is the only thing that will get us through this tragedy.

Colt Gray is accused of four counts of murder, including the deaths of teachers Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie, as well as students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo.

His father, Colin Gray, has also been arrested in connection with the incident and faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children. Investigators believe that Colin Gray provided Colt with access to the firearm used in the shooting.