Victims in Apalachee High School Shooting Identified: David Phenix, Jah’Quih Pledger, Taylor Injured; Mason Schermerhorn, Richard Aspinwall Killed. 14-Year-Old Colt Gray to Face Murder Charges

Victims in Apalachee High School Shooting Identified: David Phenix, Jah’Quih Pledger, Taylor Injured; Mason Schermerhorn, Richard Aspinwall Killed. 14-Year-Old Colt Gray to Face Murder Charges On September 3, 2024, Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, became the site of a heartbreaking tragedy as 14-year-old Colt Gray opened fire, killing two people and injuring several others. 

The victims have been identified, and the community is mourning the loss of two cherished individuals, 16-year-old Mason Schermerhorn and 58-year-old history teacher Richard Aspinwall. 

The injured include math teacher David Phenix, health and physical education teacher Jah’Quih Pledger, and a student identified only as Taylor. Colt Gray has been apprehended and is facing multiple charges, including murder.

Mason Schermerhorn, a 16-year-old student with autism, was a gentle soul known for his kind nature and love for technology and art. His tragic death has left his family and friends in disbelief, struggling to come to terms with the loss of such a bright young man. 

Mason’s teachers and peers fondly remember him for his creativity and unique perspective on life. Richard Aspinwall, a beloved history teacher who had been with Apalachee High School for over 30 years, was a guiding force in the lives of many students. 

He was known for his passion for teaching, his deep knowledge of history, and the personal connections he formed with his students. His sudden death has left a void in the school community.

Among the injured, David Phenix and Jah’Quih Pledger are being treated for their wounds and are expected to recover physically, but the emotional scars of this traumatic event may last much longer. Taylor, a student, is also receiving medical care, and their condition is being closely monitored.

The Apalachee High School community is in mourning as they try to process this senseless act of violence. Vigils and memorials are being held to honor Mason Schermerhorn and Richard Aspinwall, as the 

community rallies around the injured and those who have been forever impacted by this tragedy. Colt Gray, the 14-year-old suspect, is currently in custody and will face murder charges as the investigation continues. 

The incident has sparked renewed conversations about school safety and mental health intervention, as the town of Winder mourns the loss of two cherished lives and the unimaginable pain left in the wake of this tragedy.