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Abigail Zwerner, a former first-grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, has been awarded $10 million in a lawsuit after being shot by a six-year-old student on January 6, 2023. The civil jury found that former assistant principal Ebony Parker ignored multiple warnings about the student bringing a gun to school, which led to the shooting.
Zwerner was shot in the hand and chest by the student, referred to as JT during the trial. Several staff members had informed Parker about the potential threat, but the weapon was not confiscated until after the shooting occurred. Zwerner's attorney, Kevin Biniazan, argued that Parker's inaction constituted gross negligence.
During the trial, defense expert Dr. Amy Klinger testified that school safety is a shared responsibility, and Parker did not breach professional standards. However, the jury sided with Zwerner, concluding that Parker's lack of response was a significant factor in the incident.
The civil verdict is expected to be paid by the Virginia Risk Sharing Association, an insurance pool for public bodies, unless Parker is found guilty in her upcoming criminal trial. Parker faces charges of felony child abuse and neglect, which could affect the insurance payout if she is convicted.
The case sets a precedent for holding school officials accountable for on-campus gun violence and highlights the ongoing issue of school shootings in the United States. Parker's criminal trial is scheduled for next month, and its outcome could further impact the legal landscape regarding school safety responsibilities.