USA After attack at US school: shooter and father in court

Following the deadly gun attack at a school in the US state of Georgia, the 14-year-old suspected shooter and his father have been brought before a judge. The teenager appeared in the courtroom in the town of Winder wearing green prison garb and hand and ankle cuffs.

He is accused of four counts of murder, among other things. The judge initially said that his crimes could also be punishable by death, but corrected this statement shortly afterwards. According to a decision by the US Supreme Court in 2005, the death penalty is not permitted for minors in the USA.

Father allegedly procured the weapon for his son

A short time later, the father was brought before the judge - he appeared agitated and sat uneasily in his chair. Among other things, he is accused of second-degree murder - an intermediate stage between murder and manslaughter. It is unclear whether this charge will stand.

The 54-year-old is also charged with involuntary manslaughter. He also faces life imprisonment. Investigators accuse the shooter's father of procuring the murder weapon for his son, even though he knew that he posed a threat to himself and others.

Clues to the crime

The teenager opened fire at a school in the town of Winder near Atlanta on Wednesday. According to the police, two 14-year-old pupils and two teachers were among the victims. Nine other people were injured in the attack.

The teenager is no stranger to the police. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there were several anonymous tips about a possible attack last year.

SDA