Colt Gray's grandpa admits 'evil' dad of Georgia shooter should get 'death penalty'

Colt Gray's grandfather, Charles Polhamus, has expressed his outrage and grief over the tragic mass shooting that left four people dead , stating that his grandson's father, Colin Gray, is "evil" and should receive the "death penalty" for his role in driving Colt to commit the atrocity. The 81-year-old grandfather believes that Colt must face consequences for his actions, but also holds his father accountable for the harm caused.

Polhamus described the toxic home environment created by Gray, saying that 11 years of constant screaming and verbal abuse would affect anyone. He revealed that the family struggled to survive in such conditions , stating that they "couldn't" and "didn't survive in it."

In an interview with the New York Post, Polhamus emphasized his conviction that Colt was driven by his father to commit the shooting , saying, "Colt has to pay for what he did, but I'm telling you, he was driven, no question in my mind. He was driven by his father to do what he did. That's as plain as I can put it, and I know I'm right."

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He said the teenager's father, who is facing charges including four counts of manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of child cruelty in connection with the school shooting incident, "got what he deserved, too."

It has been reported by authorities that Gray had given his son an AR-15-style rifle as a Christmas present the very weapon later used in the tragic event, reports the Mirror US . The devastated grandfather commented on his ex-son-in-law: "He needs the death penalty."

Facing a potential 180 years behind bars upon conviction, the father's crimes carry severe punishment. His son, also indicted as an adult, could receive a life sentence if found guilty.

Polhamus, speaking to The Post about his grandson, remarked: "Colt is like a lot of young kids these days with the tablets and some of the garbage they pull up, the blood and all the fighting. If you don't think that has an impact on young kids, you're missing the boat, and that was also part of Colt's problem."

Additionally, he stated: "It's part of it - and living with a dysfunctional dad who was a screamer and a hollerer. No question about it. Prior to going through this, he was a good kid. I will preach that forever."

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Polhamus revealed that his former son-in-law had issues with drug dependency, dragging his 43-year-old daughter Marcee into his troubled life, and leading her to lose custody of Colt and their other children. Nevertheless, he affirmed that his daughter remains "a good person and a mom" who tirelessly attempted to offer support to her son amidst their challenging circumstances.

The teen's aunt, Annie Polhamus Brown, has taken to social media to defend her 14-year-old nephew after a tragic incident, vowing to "take care" of him. The woman, who is the older sister of the shooting suspect's mother, expressed that she and her family are "eager" to share their perspective on what might have led Gray to commit the act.

Gray's aunt has previously used Facebook to voice her disapproval of the suspect's father, alleging childhood abuse that went unaddressed in therapy later in life. She also called out her 43-year-old sister for depending on their parents, who helped her out of jail and welcomed her back home after rehab.

In a conversation with the Independent, Polhamus Brown chose not to elaborate on these posts but mentioned she would "definitely" share her views "at the right time" while stating: "Our hearts and humble prayers are with the families affected by this devastating tragedy."

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Details have surfaced about the troubled past of Gray's mother, who was first arrested in March 2007 for five vehicle-related misdemeanors, including reckless driving and DUI. She pleaded guilty to the charges in June 2008, paying out a $600 fine and getting slapped with a year's probation and 40 hours of community service, court records show. By August 2010, she had "completed all conditions of probation", the documents confirm.

However, in November last year, she found herself in hot water again, this time on serious drug possession charges after allegedly being arrested with methamphetamine and fentanyl, an arrest warrant from Barrow County Superior Court reveals. Following a stint of a month-and-a-half behind bars, the judge laid down strict terms, banning her from drugs and alcohol and forbidding contact with her husband.

In a tragic turn of events, the teen suspect was arrested and charged as an adult with four counts of murder following Wednesday's shootings at Apalachee High School just outside Atlanta. His father was also arrested, facing charges including four counts of involuntary manslaughter and eight counts of cruelty to children, Georgia Bureau of Investigation boss Chris Hosey announced at a press briefing.

"His charges are directly connected with the actions of his son and allowing him to possess a weapon," Hosey stated.

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