Jury Awards $10 Million to Teacher Shot by Student
A Virginia jury has awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner, a former first-grade teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student in January 2023. The case has raised significant concerns about school safety and the responsibilities of school administrators in protecting staff and students.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, while Zwerner was supervising her class. The young student, who had recently returned from a suspension, shot her while she was seated at a reading table. Zwerner sustained severe injuries, including a bullet that narrowly missed her heart and remains lodged in her chest. She underwent six surgeries and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital, ultimately losing partial use of her left hand.
Zwerner filed a lawsuit against Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal, claiming that Parker ignored multiple warnings from staff about the child’s possession of a firearm. The jury found Parker liable for failing to act on these warnings, awarding Zwerner $10 million in damages.
Legal Proceedings and Testimonies
During the trial, Zwerner’s attorneys argued that Parker had a duty to ensure the safety of the students and staff. They emphasized that several school employees had alerted Parker about the gun in the child’s backpack hours before the shooting. Zwerner’s attorney, Diane Toscano, highlighted the importance of taking such warnings seriously, stating, “It’s Dr. Parker’s job to believe that that is possible. It’s her job to investigate it and get to the very bottom of it.”
Parker did not testify during the trial. Her attorney, Daniel Hogan, cautioned jurors against judging Parker’s actions with the benefit of hindsight, urging them to consider the circumstances as they were at the time of the incident. He argued that the case hinged on whether the shooting was foreseeable.
Aftermath and Current Status
Following the shooting, Zwerner has decided not to return to teaching and has pursued a new career as a licensed cosmetologist. The incident has left a lasting impact on her life, as she described a moment of unconsciousness during the ordeal, believing she might have died. “I thought I was either on my way to heaven or in heaven,” she recounted.
In a separate legal matter, Parker is facing criminal charges for felony child neglect related to the incident. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison for each of the eight counts. Additionally, the mother of the child involved was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for felony child neglect and federal weapons charges. Reports indicate that the child accessed the firearm by climbing to reach it from a dresser.
Community Reaction
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Newport News community, raising questions about how a child so young could access a firearm and the broader implications for school safety. The case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of school officials in safeguarding students and staff, as well as the need for stricter gun control measures.
FAQs
What were the circumstances surrounding the shooting?
The shooting occurred when a 6-year-old student, who had recently returned from a suspension, shot his teacher, Abby Zwerner, while she was supervising her class. Warnings had been given to school officials about the child’s possession of a gun prior to the incident.
What were the outcomes of the lawsuit against the assistant principal?
Abby Zwerner was awarded $10 million by a jury after successfully suing Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal, for failing to act on warnings about the child’s gun possession. Parker was found liable for neglecting her duty to protect staff and students.
What are the legal repercussions for the individuals involved?
Ebony Parker faces a criminal trial on eight counts of felony child neglect, which could result in significant prison time if convicted. Additionally, the child’s mother has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for her role in the incident.
Conclusion
The jury’s decision in favor of Abby Zwerner highlights the critical need for accountability in school safety measures. As the community grapples with the implications of this tragic event, the upcoming criminal trial for Parker will further address the responsibilities of school officials in preventing such incidents. The case underscores the ongoing discussions about gun safety and child protection in educational settings.
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