Trial Begins in Shocking Virginia School Shooting Case
A former assistant principal in Newport News, Virginia, is heading to trial nearly three years after a first-grade student shot his teacher inside a classroom at Richneck Elementary School.
Ebony Parker faces eight felony child neglect charges linked to the January 2023 incident in which 6-year-old student shot teacher Abby Zwerner during class. Prosecutors claim Parker failed to act after multiple school employees warned that the child may have brought a gun to school.
Each charge carries a possible prison sentence of up to five years if convicted.
The case gained national attention due to the child’s age and growing concerns over school safety and gun access in educational settings.
Prosecutors Say Warnings Were Ignored
According to court filings, several staff members reportedly alerted school administrators that the student had a firearm in his backpack before the shooting occurred.
Investigators allege Parker did not take immediate action to search the child or secure the weapon despite repeated warnings throughout the day.
Zwerner was shot while teaching a reading lesson in her classroom. Even after suffering serious injuries, she managed to help students leave the room safely before collapsing in the school office.
The teacher underwent multiple surgeries following the shooting and still reportedly suffers from lasting physical injuries, including limited use of one hand.
Teacher Previously Won $10 Million Civil Verdict
Last year, a Virginia jury awarded Zwerner $10 million in a civil negligence case connected to the shooting. The lawsuit argued that school leadership failed to respond appropriately despite clear warning signs.
Parker was named as the primary defendant in that case after claims that she ignored reports about the weapon.
The criminal trial is expected to include testimony from Zwerner and several school staff members who were present on the day of the shooting.
Mother of Student Already Sentenced
The child’s mother previously received a prison sentence after pleading guilty to child neglect and federal gun-related charges. Authorities said the student accessed the handgun from his mother’s purse at home before bringing it to school.
The case continues to fuel debate across the United States over school security, administrative responsibility, and firearm safety involving children.
