A Georgia community was left devastated last week after a gunman opened fire at Appalachee High School, killing four people and injuring several others. The alleged perpetrator of this horrifying attack is a 14-year-old student who reportedly confessed to the shooting. In a shocking turn of events, the suspect’s father was also charged, accused of allowing his son to possess the weapon used in the shooting.
On Wednesday, September 4th, what began as a typical school day for students, teachers, and staff at Appalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, quickly descended into chaos. The words “hard lockdown” flashed on school screens, accompanied by blaring alarms, signaling everyone’s worst nightmare.
According to students, 14-year-old Colt Gray left his morning algebra class, initially thought to be skipping. When he returned, he was reportedly armed with a semi-automatic assault rifle. One student recalled hearing 10 to 15 gunshots ring out in quick succession. In a scene of sheer terror, students barricaded themselves inside classrooms, piling desks and chairs against doors, desperate to protect themselves.
Authorities say the shooting suspect murdered four individuals: two freshman students and two teachers. Nine others sustained injuries, seven of whom suffered gunshot wounds.
While questions remain about the motive and how the student managed to bring a semi-automatic weapon into the school, families are grappling with the unbearable loss of their loved ones.
Here’s what we know about the victims of last week’s tragic school shooting:
Mason Siskorhorn
A smiling young boy with blonde hair wears a blue and gray jacket
14-year-old Mason Siskorhorn is remembered by those who loved him as a kind and loving soul with a contagious smile. His sister shared with Fox 5 Atlanta that he had a zest for life, enjoying video games, his PlayStation 5, his virtual reality headset, and learning to play the trumpet, just like his older sister.
Tragically, during the shooting, Mason texted his mother to let her know he was going to the restroom. Initially believing her son was safe, she later received the devastating news that he was among the victims. While Mason’s family navigates their profound grief, his sister expressed her determination to keep his memory alive, stay strong, and embrace life as he would have wanted.
Christian Angulo
A young boy with brown hair wears a gray shirt while looking off-camera
Mason’s classmate, 14-year-old Christian Angulo, also lost his life in the shooting. A GoFundMe page created in his memory paints a picture of Christian as a kind and caring young man. The Appalachee High freshman was known for his free spirit, infectious laughter, and laid-back demeanor. He was full of life and energy.
Details about Christian’s location within the school at the time of the shooting remain unclear. In a heartbreaking interview with Univision, his mother recounted her last moments with her son before he left for school that day. Christian had hugged both his parents goodbye – a memory his mother now cherishes deeply.
Christina Arame
A woman with brown hair smiles in a professional headshot
Christina Arame, a beloved math teacher at Appalachee High, was tragically killed on her birthday. In a cruel twist of fate, she had planned to celebrate with her students that day. A close friend told CNN that Christina had baked a cake and brought pizza to share with her class.
A dedicated educator, Christina was known for her unwavering commitment to her students, treating them with the same love and care she would her own children. One student shared with CBS Mornings that she was an exceptional teacher who had a knack for making learning enjoyable. “She liked to tell jokes and never made students feel less than,” the student recounted. “You could get a question wrong on the board, and she’s not going to make you feel dumb. She will make you feel welcome.”
According to a relative who spoke with CNN, Christina’s journey into teaching began in 2012, inspired by her husband’s encouragement to pursue her passion. Christina had immigrated to the United States from Romania in 1996, where she had been a professional folk dancer. Even on weekends, her love for teaching shone through as she shared her passion for dance as an instructor at her local church.
Richard Aspenwall
A man with a buzz cut and goatee smiles in a professional headshot
Christina’s colleague and fellow math teacher, Richard Aspenwall, was also killed in the shooting. A father of two, Richard was remembered by his students as a kind, sweet, and genuinely good person. One student shared with ABC that Mr. Aspenwall was his favorite teacher, describing him as “so chill.” “He will make sure you do the work,” the student added, “but he’ll also make sure you have fun.”
Beyond his role as a math teacher, Richard was also the defensive coordinator for the school’s football team, affectionately known as “Coach A” to his players. As the gunman opened fire in the school, Richard’s bravery shone through. One student recounted to ABC News the last moments they saw Mr. Aspenwall alive. Upon hearing the gunshots, he had stepped outside his classroom to investigate.
Tragically, Richard was later found lying in the doorway, fatally wounded. As he bravely tried to crawl back to his students, one student courageously pulled him back into the classroom. Amidst the unimaginable terror, students watched helplessly as their beloved teacher took his final breaths.
Richard’s obituary paints a poignant picture of a man who found joy in his role as “Coach A.” It reads, in part, “He loved his students and players… For Richard, it was more than football; it was about creating a positive sense of community and being a role model for the kids. His pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife and the ultimate girl dad to his two little girls.”
This senseless act of violence has left families grappling with unimaginable loss and planning for funerals, while others face a long and arduous road to recovery.
Surviving Victims
Nine individuals were injured in the shooting. Here’s what we know about them:
Natalie Griffith (15): Natalie was in her algebra class when the shooting began. Her father told Fox 5 Atlanta that she was shot at least twice, with bullets piercing her arm, chest, and wrist. She underwent extensive surgery to save her arm and reconstruct her wrist. Despite the traumatic experience, Natalie’s family remains hopeful for her full recovery and says she plans to return to Appalachee High School.
Melanie Garcia (15): Melanie sustained a gunshot wound to her shoulder, fracturing the bone connecting her shoulder to her arm. According to a GoFundMe page, she requires two surgeries. “Her life will forever be changed, and her childhood has been stripped from her,” a family friend wrote. “She’s a normal young teen who loved to be with friends, play soccer, and spend time with family, and none of those hobbies will ever be the same.”
Taylor Jones: While details about Taylor’s injuries remain limited, she was airlifted to Grady Hospital and underwent a lengthy surgery. Her family shared that she faces a challenging recovery, with more surgeries and extensive physical therapy ahead.
David Phoenix: A special education math teacher, David Phoenix was among the first surviving victims to be identified. According to his daughter, Katie, he was shot in the foot and hip, shattering his hipbone. Despite his injuries, David remained alert and responsive upon arriving at the hospital. He underwent surgery and is in stable condition.
David’s GoFundMe page reveals a heartbreaking detail: he was shot while selflessly protecting his students alongside Richard Aspenwall. When David regained consciousness after surgery, his first concern was for the well-being of others, asking, “Is everyone else okay?”
The Investigation & Aftermath
At this time, it remains unclear whether the victims were specifically targeted or if their encounters with the shooter were tragically random.
Following the shooting, a school resource officer located the shooter, who surrendered to authorities shortly before 10:30 a.m. that morning. 14-year-old Colt Gray has been charged as an adult and faces four counts of felony murder. His father, Colin Gray, has also been charged and arrested, facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.
Both Colt and Colin Gray are scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on December 4th.
