A jury in Virginia awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner, a former teacher who suffered a shooting incident involving a 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News. This verdict was reached after Zwerner accused Ebony Parker, the school’s former assistant principal, of neglecting warnings about the child’s access to a firearm.
Details of the Incident
The shooting took place in January 2023 while Zwerner was conducting a reading lesson. She was shot in the chest, with the bullet narrowly missing her heart, and remains lodged in her body. Zwerner underwent six surgeries and spent nearly two weeks hospitalized, leading to significant functional impairment in her left hand.
Legal Background
Zwerner had sought $40 million in damages. However, the jury focused solely on Parker’s actions, as the school’s superintendent and principal were removed from the lawsuit early in the proceedings. During the trial, Zwerner’s legal team emphasized that Parker was informed multiple times about the gun prior to the shooting.
- Location: Newport News, Virginia
- Incident Date: January 2023
- Jury Award: $10 million
- Initial lawsuit claim: $40 million
- Surgeries undergone: 6
Reactions and Consequences
The shooting incident sparked national concern regarding gun access for young children. During the trial, Zwerner’s attorney, Diane Toscano, remarked on the responsibilities placed on school officials. Parker, who opted not to testify, faces separate criminal charges for felony child neglect.
A parallel case involves the child’s mother, who received nearly four years in prison for various charges, including felony child neglect. It was reported that the student accessed his mother’s gun by climbing furniture to reach a drawer where it was stored.
Zwerner’s Current Status
Following the traumatic event, Abby Zwerner has distanced herself from teaching and has pursued a new career as a licensed cosmetologist. She has also made clear that she has no intention of returning to the classroom.
