A civil court in Virginia has awarded former first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner $10 million following a tragic incident where she was shot by a 6-year-old student. The shooting occurred in January 2023 at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia. Zwerner sustained serious injuries, including a gunshot wound to her hand and chest.
Details of the Shooting Incident
On the day of the incident, Zwerner reported the child’s violent behavior to the school’s former assistant principal, Ebony Parker. She expressed concerns about the boy, who had threatened another student. Despite her warnings, Parker did not take any action, according to the lawsuit.
- Zwerner informed Parker that the boy was “in a violent mood.”
- Two students later told a reading specialist that the boy had a gun in his backpack.
- A search of the boy’s backpack did not reveal any weapon.
- Parker dismissed further attempts to search the boy, stating that his “pockets were too small to hold a handgun.”
Moments later, during recess, another student claimed the boy had displayed a gun. When this information was relayed to Parker, she again took no action. The shooting occurred shortly thereafter, resulting in Zwerner being shot by the boy, who later made alarming statements about the incident.
Consequences and Legal Proceedings
Zwerner underwent six surgeries and spent two weeks in the hospital as a result of her injuries. The bullet remains lodged in her chest, causing lasting effects on her health and teaching career. She had initially sought $40 million in damages, citing gross negligence on Parker’s part.
- Parker resigned following the incident.
- The former superintendent was dismissed by the school board post-shooting.
- The boy was not criminally charged due to his age.
In a separate legal matter, Parker faces criminal charges related to child neglect, stemming from a grand jury’s findings of her reckless disregard for student safety. Each count she faces carries up to five years in prison.
Impact on School Policies
This incident has stirred significant discussions about school safety and the responsibilities of educators and administrators. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure student safety and proper handling of behavioral issues in schools.
Abby Zwerner’s case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences when warnings about student behavior are ignored. As the legal processes unfold, the emphasis on responsibility and safety in educational environments remains paramount.
