Virginia Teacher Wins $10M Verdict Against Former Assistant Principal After Shooting
A former Virginia teacher has won a significant legal battle against a former assistant principal after a tragic shooting incident. A jury awarded Abby Zwerner $10 million following her lawsuit against Ebony Parker, who failed to act on warnings about a gun brought to school by Zwerner’s 6-year-old student.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred in January 2023 at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News. Zwerner was sitting at a reading table in her first-grade classroom when the incident happened. She suffered serious injuries, including requiring six surgeries and spending nearly two weeks in the hospital.
Legal Proceedings
Zwerner initially sought $40 million in damages. However, the jury’s decision focused solely on Parker, as other defendants, including the school superintendent and principal, were dismissed from the case. Zwerner’s legal team argued that Parker had a duty to ensure the safety of students and staff after being alerted multiple times about the gun.
Key Points from the Trial
- Zwerner testified she learned about the gun just before recess from a reading specialist.
- The student had recently returned from suspension for an incident involving Zwerner’s phone.
- Zwerner was able to evacuate her students despite her injuries before losing consciousness.
- She expressed her belief that she might have died that day.
Aftermath of the Shooting
Due to her injuries, Zwerner has since left the teaching profession and is now a licensed cosmetologist. The psychological and physical impact of the shooting remains significant.
Criminal Charges Against Parker
Parker is scheduled to face a separate criminal trial this month, facing eight counts of felony child neglect. Each count carries a potential five-year prison sentence. Additionally, the mother of the student involved was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for similar charges.
Community Considerations
The incident has sparked widespread concerns within the military shipbuilding community and beyond. Many are questioning how a child so young was able to access a firearm.
Abby Zwerner’s case emphasizes the need for effective safety protocols in schools. It raises important discussions about accountability and protection within educational environments.
