Abby Zwerner recently provided a profound account of the day she was shot by a 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School. This incident occurred on January 6, 2023, in Newport News, Virginia. Zwerner’s testimony is part of a $40 million civil lawsuit against former school official Ebony Parker, who is accused of neglecting to act on warning signs that the student had a gun.
Key Testimony from Abby Zwerner
During her emotional testimony, Zwerner recounted the moment she instinctively raised her hand to her heart after seeing the child holding a gun. She described a debilitating experience, stating, “I thought I was dying. I thought I had died.” Zwerner was shot in both her hand and chest, with the bullet narrowly missing her heart. Despite undergoing six surgeries, she will never fully regain normal function in her hand.
Impact of the Shooting
The physical injuries have significantly altered Zwerner’s daily life, making simple tasks challenging. For instance, she recounted a lunch with her attorney where she struggled to open a bag of chips. Beyond the immediate physical damage, Zwerner revealed emotional consequences, expressing feelings of detachment and numbness around loved ones.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: Psychiatrist Dr. Clarence Watson testified that Zwerner has endured PTSD. She no longer feels safe and has withdrawn from social situations.
- Social withdrawal: Activities that once brought joy, such as attending a movie, now provoke overwhelming anxiety for Zwerner.
Legal Proceedings and Responsibilities
Zwerner’s civil case raises significant questions regarding accountability in school shooting incidents, reflecting a broader national concern. As of the beginning of October 2023, there have been 64 school shootings in the U.S., with 27 occurring on K-12 school grounds this year alone.
Parker is also facing eight counts of felony child neglect in a separate criminal trial set for next month. Zwerner’s lawsuit, alongside the forthcoming criminal trial, examines the responsibilities of school officials regarding student safety.
Defense Strategies
During cross-examination, Parker’s attorneys attempted to challenge Zwerner’s claims regarding her ability to partake in social activities. They presented evidence of her attendance at concerts and questioned how she managed to graduate from cosmetology school despite her injuries.
Law professor Darryl K. Brown noted that the civil trial might influence the criminal case. “Holding civil cases before criminal ones is unusual,” he explained. The civil trial provides insight into the evidence that may be presented in the criminal prosecution.
Conclusion
As the jury continues deliberations in the civil trial, the outcome may set the stage for the upcoming criminal proceedings against Parker. The challenges Zwerner faces highlight the importance of addressing safety concerns within schools to prevent future incidents.
