Father of Apalachee High School shooting victim backs Georgia push to track students

Cars are parked near Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, after a deadly shooting there. Parents crowded the school to pick up their students after the suspect was in custody. (Chamian Cruz/WABE)

For Richard Aspinwall, supporting legislation to bolster safety in Georgia schools is about carrying on the legacy of his son.

Richard “Ricky” Aspinwall, a math teacher and football coach, was one of four people shot to death at Apalachee High School in September as he tried to protect his students.

“My son was a stand-up man,” Aspinwall said Monday. “I taught him to be that way — fight for the kids.”