BARROW COUNTY – A shooting that took place at Apalachee High School has left four people dead and at least nine people injured, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
The shooting took place Wednesday morning at approximately 10:20 a.m., around 40 miles away from Newton County.
According to a GBI spokesperson, two of the deceased are students and two are teachers.
The victims include Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both aged 14, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53. Aspinwall was also the defensive coordinator for the school's football team, which is set to play against Alcovy High School later this year.
David Phenix – a special education teacher and coach at the school – is the only victim identified in the shooting who was injured as of 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 4. Phenix was injured and is in “stable condition.” He was formerly a teacher in Walton County.
The suspect is in custody and has been identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray, a student at Apalachee High School. He has been officially charged with murder and will be tried as an adult.
On a local level, Newton County Schools (NCS) entered a preventative lockdown around 1 p.m. today as a precaution. The lockdown was lifted around two hours later.
NCS has since issued a statement on the tragic incident.
"The Newton County Schools Board of Education extends sincere condolences to our friends in Barrow County, Georgia. Today's tragedy is unspeakable and we are devastated by the news that lives were lost as a result of reprehensible violence visited upon Apalachee High School.
"In the days and weeks that follow, we will keep our colleagues and dear friends in our prayers, and we stand ready to provide whatever assistance or support may be needed."
Spokesperson from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), Caitlin Jett, told The Covington News that the NCSO sent units to the scene, but have since returned to the county. Sheriff Ezell Brown has been in contact with Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith.
The NCSO also said that they are continuing to work with NCS to ensure additional safety on all school campuses. The agency also released a statement on social media on Wednesday night.
"Our hearts are heavy as we grapple with the tragic loss of two students and two teachers from Apalachee High School. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones, as well as with the students and teachers who have been deeply impacted by today’s events.
We extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support to the Barrow County community. We also want to acknowledge the efforts of the Barrow County Sheriff's Office and the other agencies involved in responding to this incident. Your dedication and compassion are deeply appreciated.
Please know that the Newton County Sheriff’s Office stands with you during this difficult time."
The city of Covington is also hosting a gift card drive that will help members of Apalachee High School faculty as well as first responders in Barrow County.
