Charles Polhamus, the grandfather of 14-year-old Colt Gray, who is accused of the Apalachee High School shooting, has publicly demanded the death penalty for Colt’s father, Colin Gray. Charles, 81, believes that Colin Gray, who faces serious charges related to the shooting, is primarily responsible for the tragedy.
Charles described Colin as “evil” and attributed Colt’s actions to his father’s influence, saying, “He was driven by his father to do what he did.” Charles is particularly incensed because Colin allegedly gave Colt an AR-15-style rifle, which was used in the shooting that resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers. Colin Gray faces two counts of second-degree murder, four counts of involuntary manslaughter, and eight counts of cruelty to children. The charges accuse him of providing the firearm to Colt with prior knowledge of the potential danger.
Charles also criticized Colin’s behavior and its impact on the family, describing him as a disruptive and abusive figure who contributed to the family’s dysfunction. He also highlighted Colin’s drug addiction and its detrimental effects on their finances and family stability. Charles’s comments suggest that he views Colin’s actions as directly responsible for the violence committed by Colt.
In contrast, Marcee Gray, Colt’s mother and Charles’s daughter, has faced her own controversies, including accusations of abuse and threats. Despite this, Charles defended Marcee as a good person and a caring mother, although he also acknowledged her struggles with addiction.
Charles’s statements and the ongoing investigation into the shooting reveal a complex and troubled family dynamic. The situation has sparked intense debate about parental responsibility and the broader societal issues that contribute to such tragedies.