ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — If there is a trial for the suspected gunman in the Sept. 4, 2024, mass shooting at Apalachee High School, it won’t be in metro Atlanta’s Barrow County, where it occurred.

During a Thursday status hearing for Colt Gray, Judge Nicholas Primm said Columbia County, near Augusta, is currently the likely venue. Primm also said unless Colt Gray enters a plea deal before then, his trial would likely begin in mid October and last through the first week of November.

>> RE-WATCH STATUS HEARING:

Primm, the chief judge of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit and who is presiding over the case, also set a July deadline for any plea deal.

Colt Gray’s new defense attorney, Charlton Allen, pushed back, asking to keep the option open for Gray to change his plea later. But Primm said because of the advanced planning this trial would take, he believes the plea deadline is necessary.

“I want to avoid a situation where we burden another jurisdiction to make all these arrangements to clear out their courtroom, summon their jurors early, and then ... the pleas enter,” Primm said.

Thursday’s hearing comes almost three months after Colt Gray’s father, Colin Gray, was convicted on charges related to the shooting, which claimed the lives of four people and injured nine others. Colin Gray’s sentencing is also set for the last week of July, and Primm said some level of separation is needed between the two dates.

Prosecutors said Thursday they don’t anticipate Colt Gray’s trial to last as long as his father’s. Allen said he expects to call between three and five witnesses during his client’s trial.

Colt Gray is facing four counts of felony murder; four counts of malice murder; four counts of aggravated battery; 25 counts of aggravated assault; and 18 counts of cruelty to children in the first degree.

Colin Gray was accused of allowing his son access to the AR-style rifle recovered after the shooting, as well as a variety of ammunition and accessories recovered at the crime scene and at Colin Gray’s residence. Prosecutors said Colin Gray knowingly allowed Colt Gray access to firearms despite his knowledge of his son’s unstable mental and emotional condition.

Colin Gray was found guilty of two counts of murder in the second degree; two counts of involuntary manslaughter; five counts of reckless conduct; and 18 counts of cruelty to children in the second degree. He is facing a maximum of 180 years in prison.

Both Colt Gray and Colin Gray have pleaded not guilty.

ANF+ is your home for around-the-clock breaking news, First Alert Weather, and extended coverage from the Atlanta News First team. Watch live, free, and on demand on your preferred streaming device.

Atlanta News First podcasts are available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | YouTube

Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.