Winder, Georgia—a town once known for its quiet suburban life—was plunged into chaos and despair on September 4, 2024, when a mass shooting at Apalachee High School left two dead and several injured. The devastating attack was carried out by a 14-year-old student named Colt Gray, who now faces murder charges for his role in the tragedy.
Among the victims, the two who lost their lives were Mason Schermerhorn, a student with autism, and Richard Aspinwall, a well-respected teacher at the school. The list of injured includes David Phenix, Jah’Quih Pledger, and a student identified only as Taylor. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence, authorities continue their investigation into what could have driven Gray to commit such a horrific act.
The Morning of the Attack
The events of the day unfolded with a terrifying rapidity. Shortly before 9:30 a.m., the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call warning that Apalachee High School was the first of five schools targeted for a planned attack. The origin of the call remains unknown, and it gave little time for authorities to act before Gray opened fire inside the school.
Colt Gray, armed with an automatic weapon, stormed the hallways of Apalachee High School, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The panic and confusion that followed the first gunshots were overwhelming as students and teachers alike scrambled to find cover. Gray’s path through the school was marked by tragic consequences: two lives were lost, and others were left gravely injured.
Mason Schermerhorn: An Innocent Life Cut Short
Mason Schermerhorn, a student with autism, was one of the first victims to be identified. Known for his gentle nature and bright spirit, Mason was well-loved by both his peers and teachers. His autism allowed him to see the world in a unique and special way, and those who knew him cherished his perspective. His death has left the community heartbroken, particularly because of the vulnerable position Mason found himself in during the chaos of the shooting. Preliminary reports suggest that Mason may have wandered away from the safety of the school building, potentially making him an easier target for Gray’s rampage.
Mason’s loss has hit his family and friends especially hard. His teachers remember him as a student who brought joy and positivity to those around him. His death, a tragic reminder of the senseless violence that has become all too common in schools across the country, has left a void in the community that will be impossible to fill.
Richard Aspinwall: A Teacher Remembered for His Dedication
Another life tragically lost in the attack was Richard Aspinwall, a beloved teacher at Apalachee High School. Aspinwall was known for his dedication to his students and his passion for education. He had been a fixture in the school for years, mentoring students and guiding them through their academic journeys. His colleagues describe him as a compassionate educator who always put his students first, and his sudden death has sent shockwaves through the faculty and student body.
Aspinwall’s impact on the school extended beyond the classroom. He was involved in numerous extracurricular activities, often volunteering his time to help students with after-school programs. His loss has not only left a hole in the hearts of those who knew him but has also taken away a source of guidance and support for many students.
The Injured: Fighting for Survival
While the deaths of Schermerhorn and Aspinwall have left the community in mourning, there are others who are fighting for their lives. David Phenix, a special education math teacher, was critically injured during the shooting. He sustained gunshot wounds to his hip and foot, shattering his hip bone. Phenix was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Although his injuries are severe, Phenix’s survival has provided a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark situation.
Phenix’s colleagues have described him as a dedicated educator who had a deep passion for helping his students succeed. His resilience in the face of such devastating injuries has inspired those around him, and the community is rallying in support of his recovery.
Jah’Quih Pledger, a health and physical education teacher, was also among those injured in the attack. Pledger’s injuries, while serious, are not believed to be life-threatening, and he is expected to make a full recovery. Like Phenix, Pledger was known for his dedication to his students and for his involvement in school activities. His contributions to the school community, particularly in the realm of health and fitness, made him a favorite among students and staff alike.
A student identified only as Taylor was also injured during the shooting. While details about Taylor’s condition have not been publicly released, their injury adds to the growing toll of those affected by the attack. The psychological scars left on the survivors will likely take years to heal, and the community is grappling with how best to support those who lived through the ordeal.
The Arrest of Colt Gray
The swift response from law enforcement likely prevented further loss of life. Officers from the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrived at the scene within minutes of the first reports of an active shooter. Colt Gray was apprehended alive and is now in custody, where he faces multiple charges of murder and other crimes related to the attack.
Sheriff Jud Smith, in a press conference held shortly after the shooting, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the attack as an “act of evil.” Smith’s somber remarks were accompanied by a pledge to thoroughly investigate the events that led to the tragedy. Authorities have indicated that they are reviewing Gray’s background in an effort to determine his motives, though no definitive conclusions have been reached.
As Gray’s legal case moves forward, questions remain about how a 14-year-old student was able to obtain and use an automatic weapon. Investigators are looking into the origins of the firearm and whether it was acquired legally. The ease with which Gray accessed such a deadly weapon has reignited debates over gun control and school safety, with many calling for stricter regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Community in Mourning
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Winder community has come together in grief. Vigils have been held to honor the victims, with hundreds of people gathering to mourn and show their support for the families affected by the violence. The loss of Mason Schermerhorn and Richard Aspinwall has deeply impacted the town, and the injuries sustained by Phenix, Pledger, Taylor, and others have left many grappling with feelings of fear and vulnerability.
Classes at Apalachee High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week, allowing students and staff time to process the trauma of the event. Counseling services have been made available to those who need support, with an emphasis on helping students cope with the emotional aftermath of the shooting.
Parents and educators alike are grappling with how best to move forward. The shooting has raised urgent questions about school safety and the adequacy of existing measures to protect students and staff from violence. Some are calling for increased security at schools, while others emphasize the need for more mental health resources to help identify and support students who may be at risk of committing acts of violence.
A Community Determined to Heal
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the community of Winder is left to pick up the pieces. The loss of life is an undeniable tragedy, but the town is determined to honor the memory of those lost by fostering a spirit of unity and resilience. Local leaders, including Sheriff Jud Smith and school officials, have vowed to work closely with families, students, and educators to ensure that Apalachee High School remains a safe space for learning and growth.
The shooting at Apalachee High School has left an indelible mark on the town of Winder, but out of the darkness, there is hope that change will come. The deaths of Mason Schermerhorn and Richard Aspinwall, and the injuries sustained by Phenix, Pledger, and Taylor, will not be forgotten. Their stories have brought to light the urgent need for action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the community mourns, there is a shared resolve to ensure that no other school or town will have to endure the pain that Winder is now facing. The memory of those who lost their lives will be honored through efforts to create a safer, more compassionate society, where students can learn without fear, and educators can teach without the threat of violence.
