Following Wednesday’s mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, more details continue to emerge about the 14-year-old suspect.
On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” WABE criminal justice reporter Chamian Cruz talked with show host Rose Scott about the latest developments in the ongoing investigation.
Four people — two students and two teachers — died Wednesday during the shooting, and nine people were transported to hospitals. The 14-year-old suspect has been charged with four counts of felony murder in connection with the shooting at Apalachee High School, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and he used an AR platform-style weapon. The suspect will be tried as an adult, and his first court appearance will be Friday morning, the GBI says.
The suspect and his father were questioned by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, after the FBI reportedly received anonymous tips in May 2023 about online threats for an unspecified school shooting. The suspect denied making the threats and his father assured investigators that the teen did not have unsupervised access to his hunting guns. After questioning, authorities determined that there was no probable cause to take further action.
Tributes continue across Georgia and the nation for the victims, their families and everyone impacted by the tragedy. During a press conference, Kemp issued condolences and promised resources to support the Apalachee High School community. When asked if there was anything more his administration could do to prevent gun violence in schools, he said, “today was not the day for politics or policy.”
