NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A Virginia jury awarded $10 million to former teacher Abby Zwerner, who was shot by a 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School in January 2023. The lawsuit accused Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal, of ignoring multiple warnings from staff about the child possessing a gun.
The jury's verdict came after Zwerner sought $40 million in damages. The incident sent shock waves through the local community and beyond, provoking discussions about gun safety and liability in schools.
Zwerner was critically injured during the incident, enduring nearly two weeks in the hospital and requiring multiple surgeries. Her left hand was severely impacted by the gunshot wound.
Parker was the only individual held responsible in the lawsuit after a judge dismissed other school officials from liability.
Zwerner's attorney emphasized before the jury that the responsibility lies with school officials to take threats seriously, especially those involving children and firearms. Who would think a 6-year-old would bring a gun to school and shoot their teacher? said Zwerner's attorney Diane Toscano. 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.”
Despite the traumatic experience, Zwerner managed to evacuate her students before fainting in the school office. She recounted her harrowing experience, stating that she thought she was either dead or going to heaven.
Currently, Zwerner is no longer employed by the school district and has embarked on a new career as a licensed cosmetologist.
As the legal ramifications continue, Parker now faces a separate criminal trial related to child neglect, stemming from concerns over the student's access to the weapon. The student's mother has also been sentenced for felony child neglect and weapons offenses.
