Virginia Teacher Awarded $10 Million in Landmark School Shooting Lawsuit

A former Virginia teacher has won a major legal victory. A jury awarded Abby Zwerner $10 million in a lawsuit against a former school administrator. The case stems from a 2023 shooting where a six-year-old student shot her in her first-grade classroom.

The verdict was delivered in Newport News, Virginia, on Thursday. According to the Associated Press, the jury found former assistant principal Ebony Parker negligent for ignoring warnings the child had a gun. This decision concludes a closely watched civil case.

A Failure to Act Preceded the Tragic Shooting

The incident occurred at Richneck Elementary School in January 2023. Abby Zwerner was shot while seated at a reading table with students. The bullet narrowly missed her heart and remains lodged in her chest.

Zwerner suffered severe injuries. She endured nearly two weeks in the hospital and six surgeries. She has lost full use of her left hand and no longer teaches.

The lawsuit argued Ebony Parker was warned multiple times. Staff reported the young boy had a firearm in his backpack hours before the shooting. The jury agreed Parker failed in her duty to protect the teacher.

Broader Implications for School Safety and Responsibility

This verdict sends a powerful message about school safety. It places clear responsibility on administrators to take all threats seriously. The case has sparked national conversations on gun access and protocol failures.

The young boy obtained the gun from his mother’s purse at home. His mother is now serving a prison sentence for felony child neglect. Parker also faces a separate criminal trial for child neglect charges.

For Abby Zwerner, the legal battle is over. She has since become a licensed cosmetologist. The $10 million award acknowledges the profound and lasting impact of that day.

This landmark verdict underscores the critical importance of school safety protocols. It highlights the severe consequences when warnings are ignored. The case of the teacher shot by her student will likely influence school policy nationwide.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Q1: How much did the teacher win in the lawsuit?

The jury awarded Abby Zwerner $10 million in damages. She had originally sought $40 million in her lawsuit against the former assistant principal.

Q2: Why was the school administrator found liable?

The jury found Ebony Parker negligent for failing to act. Multiple school staff members warned her the child had a gun before the shooting occurred.

Q3: What happened to the 6-year-old who shot the teacher?

The child was too young to be charged criminally. His mother was sentenced to nearly four years in prison on child neglect and firearms charges.

Q4: What injuries did the teacher sustain?

Abby Zwerner was shot in the chest. She underwent six surgeries, spent two weeks hospitalized, and permanently lost full use of her left hand.

Q5: Does the former assistant principal face other consequences?

Yes. Ebony Parker faces an upcoming criminal trial on eight felony counts of child neglect. Each count carries a possible five-year prison sentence.

Q6: Is the teacher returning to education?

No. Abby Zwerner no longer works for the school district and has stated she will not return to teaching. She is now a licensed cosmetologist.