The father of a Georgia high school student accused of carrying out a violent shooting on campus has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the incident. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the events that led to the shooting, which left two students injured at the school in suburban Atlanta last month.
The suspect, a 17-year-old male, has been charged with attempted murder and multiple counts of aggravated assault following the shooting at Mill Creek High School. Authorities say that the teenager brought a firearm to the school and opened fire in the hallway during the middle of the school day. Two students, both 16-year-old boys, were struck by gunfire and were rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident sent shockwaves through the local community, sparking concerns about school safety and the growing number of school shootings across the country.
The teenager’s father, 44-year-old Marcus Davis, was arrested shortly after the shooting under suspicion of providing his son with access to the firearm used in the attack. Prosecutors allege that Davis knew his son had the gun and did not take proper action to prevent the tragedy. Davis was charged with felony child neglect, as well as multiple counts of aiding and abetting a crime.
During his arraignment earlier this week, Davis pleaded not guilty to all charges, stating that he was unaware of his son’s intentions or the possession of the weapon. His defence attorney argued that there was no evidence linking Davis to the planning of the attack and that his actions did not directly contribute to the crime.
The case has garnered significant attention, with many questioning the responsibility of parents in preventing acts of violence, particularly when minors are involved. “This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved,” said District Attorney Angela Walker. “While the focus remains on the shooter’s actions, we must consider the role of the parents in providing access to dangerous weapons.”
As legal proceedings continue, the court will determine whether Marcus Davis will stand trial for the charges against him. Meanwhile, the school district has increased security measures and counselling services for students affected by the traumatic event as the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting.