A September 4, 2024 school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, left math teacher and football coach Richard Aspinwall, 39, dead. According to reports, Aspinwall heard banging at the lockers near his classroom and ran into the hallway to confront the danger rather than shelter his students. Moments later gunshots were fired; Aspinwall was found fatally wounded in his classroom doorway. Two 14-year-old students and another teacher were also wounded in the attack.

Authorities identified a 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, as the alleged shooter and took him into custody. Investigators also arrested the boy’s father, Colin Gray, who faces charges including involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder for allegedly providing an AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting. Prosecutors say the father knew of disturbing behavior and threats; the defense says the son concealed his plans. The father’s trial began in February 2026 and wounded students have testified.