UPDATE: A Virginia teacher has been awarded $10 million in a civil trial after she was shot by her 6-year-old student in January 2023. The jury’s decision, announced on November 7, concluded a negligence lawsuit against a school administrator who allegedly ignored multiple warnings about a firearm on campus.
Abigail Zwerner, the teacher involved, argued that Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal at Richneck Elementary, failed to act on reports that the child had brought a gun to school. This negligence allowed the boy to carry a 9mm handgun from his home to the classroom, where he shot Zwerner, injuring her hand and chest. Remarkably, Zwerner evacuated her students despite being wounded, demonstrating incredible bravery in a horrifying situation.
Zwerner has undergone five surgeries since the shooting and still has a bullet lodged in her chest. During the trial, Parker’s defense argued that she could not have predicted the shooting. However, Zwerner’s legal team presented evidence that Parker was aware of student reports regarding the weapon and failed to take appropriate action.
This case has broader implications, as Parker is scheduled for a criminal trial next month on charges of child abuse and neglect. The outcomes of these trials could set important precedents regarding the responsibilities of school officials and parents in preventing school shootings, a pressing issue in the United States.
In related news, Deja Taylor, the mother of the shooter, was sentenced to 21 months in prison in 2023 for federal charges related to gun possession while using a controlled substance.
The urgency of this case resonates deeply in a nation grappling with the aftermath of school violence. As the details continue to unfold, communities are left questioning the safety protocols in place within schools and the accountability of those tasked with protecting students.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the legal ramifications continue to evolve.
