Jackson County, Georgia, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The families of two victims from the mass shooting at Apalachee High School have filed notices to sue the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Barrow County School System, and Discord. The family of deceased student Mason Schermerhorn seeks up to $25 million, while Taylor Jones’ family demands $15 million for injuries incurred. The lawsuits stem from allegations that authorities failed to act on threats made prior to the shooting, resulting in tragic consequences at the school.
Jackson County, Georgia – The families of two victims from the September mass shooting at Apalachee High School have initiated notices to sue the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Barrow County School System, and the online chat platform Discord. This legal action follows the tragic incident that left two students dead and several others injured.
The family of Mason Schermerhorn, a student killed in the shooting, is seeking up to $25 million in damages. Meanwhile, the family of Taylor Jones, a student who was injured during the event, is pursuing up to $15 million in damages. Attorney Mike Puglise, representing both families, noted that Georgia law requires a specific dollar amount to be included in an ante litem notice. This notice is necessary before filing a lawsuit against government entities.
Puglise intends to file the lawsuits before the end of the year while continuing to gather evidence against Discord. This follows allegations that the suspect, Colt Gray, made online threats on Discord prior to the shooting. In May 2023, the FBI had alerted Jackson County about these potential threats; however, Gray denied making any such threats and was not charged at that time.
The attorney argues that the sheriff’s office should have taken appropriate actions to alert school officials regarding Gray’s transfer from Jackson County to Barrow County. He further claims there were missed opportunities for the school system to address Gray’s mental health challenges before the shooting took place. The previous sheriff, Janis Mangum, expressed regret if there was any breakdown in communication concerning Gray’s transfer.
Jackson County officials have declined to comment on the pending litigation, but Puglise believes that he is the first attorney in Georgia to pursue legal action against Discord in relation to a shooting incident. He has raised concerns about how Discord facilitates private communication among users, suggesting it could lead to dangerous situations.
Families of other victims, such as Christian Angulo and teacher Richard Aspinwall, have also indicated intentions to file lawsuits against the same entities involved. The mass shooting at Apalachee High School occurred on September 4, 2024, resulting in the deaths of two students and two teachers.
Since the shooting, Barrow County has implemented weapon detection systems and increased the number of school resource officers to enhance security. Colt Gray has been arrested and charged with 55 counts, including felony murder, while his father, Colin Gray, has faced charges for providing the gun used in the incident. The court has denied Colin Gray’s motions to suppress evidence in his case.
A community gathering commemorating the anniversary of the shooting highlighted remembrance and a commitment to preventing future violence.
FAQs
What incident triggered the lawsuits by the families?
The lawsuits are a result of the mass shooting at Apalachee High School on September 4, 2024, which led to the deaths of students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and injuries to several others.
What are the damages being sought?
The family of Mason Schermerhorn is seeking up to $25 million, while the family of Taylor Jones is pursuing up to $15 million in damages.
Who is representing the families in their lawsuits?
Attorney Mike Puglise is representing both families in their legal action against the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Barrow County School System, and Discord.
What actions are being taken by Barrow County following the shooting?
Following the shooting, Barrow County has implemented weapon detection systems and increased the number of school resource officers to enhance safety in schools.
What criminal charges have been filed related to the shooting?
Colt Gray, the suspected shooter, has been charged with 55 counts, including felony murder, and his father has been charged for providing the gun used in the shooting.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 4, 2024 |
| Victims | Mason Schermerhorn (deceased), Christian Angulo (deceased), Taylor Jones (injured), Richard Aspinwall (teacher, deceased), Cristina Irimie (teacher, deceased) |
| Lawsuits Filed | Against Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Barrow County School System, Discord |
| Damages Sought | Mason Schermerhorn’s family: up to $25 million, Taylor Jones’ family: up to $15 million |
| Criminal Charges | Colt Gray: 55 counts including felony murder; Colin Gray: charges for supplying gun |
| Post-Incident Actions | Implementing weapon detection systems, increasing school resource officers |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: School Shooting
- AJC
- Google Search: Apalachee High School shooting
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Scholar: Apalachee High School shooting
- Atlanta News First
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google News: Apalachee High School mass shooting
- Atlanta News First
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