Aunt of Georgia School Shooting Suspect Speaks Out: ‘Hearts and Prayers’

Authorities are currently investigating a tragic school shooting that occurred on Wednesday in Winder, Georgia. The incident has left many questioning what led to a 14-year-old named Colt Gray allegedly opening fire on his classmates and teachers at Apalachee High School. The boy’s aunt, Annie Polhamus Brown, has expressed her anguish over the situation while voicing her concerns about her sister’s parenting.

In a heartfelt statement, Polhamus Brown conveyed her condolences, saying, “Our hearts and humble prayers are with the families affected by this devastating tragedy.” She resides in Florida with her husband and expressed a desire to share her thoughts but indicated that the timing wasn’t right yet.

Polhamus Brown took to social media on Thursday to assert that she had done everything she could to support her nephew. However, her remarks also included criticisms directed at her sister, Marcee Polhamus Gray, and her estranged husband, Colin Gray. Over the past couple of years, she has made several comments online questioning their parenting choices and practices. In one social media post from November 2022, she called out Colin for not seeking therapy to address his past traumas.

Furthermore, Polhamus Brown criticized Marcee for her reliance on their parents following her own struggles, stating they had helped her out during tough times, including after rehab. When asked to elaborate on her social media comments, Polhamus Brown refrained, noting she would share more insightful thoughts “at the right time.”

Marcee Polhamus Gray has a checkered past. In 2007, she was arrested for multiple driving-related offenses, including DUI. She entered a guilty plea in 2008, resulting in a fine and probation. Court records confirm she completed her probation requirements after two years.

In November 2023, Marcee faced new legal issues when she was arrested on felony drug charges. She was reportedly found in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Additional charges included misdemeanors related to possession of drug paraphernalia and having an improper license plate.

Although Marcee was facing serious charges that could lead to substantial prison time, she ultimately received a short jail sentence that was essentially nullified with credit for time served, along with several years of probation. The judge’s orders prohibited her from using drugs or alcohol and from having contact with her husband.

In addition to her criminal issues, Marcee has faced civil challenges. A Chevy dealership in 2019 accused her and her husband of writing a bad check for a vehicle down payment. The outcome of that case remains unclear.

Colt Gray, the teenager at the center of this tragic case, has a history of troubling behavior. He was previously investigated by the FBI for making threats related to mass shootings but was not charged at that time. Now, he faces four counts of felony murder in the wake of the tragic school shooting, which resulted in the deaths of two students, Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, as well as teachers Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie. At least nine others were hospitalized due to various injuries resulting from the incident.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, over $100,000 has already been raised for the families of the victims affected by the shooting.