A Virginia jury has awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner, an elementary school teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student in her classroom on January 6, 2023. Zwerner, who taught at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, sustained serious injuries after the bullet passed through her hand and into her chest, causing a collapsed lung.
The lawsuit, filed by Zwerner, sought $40 million in damages and named former assistant principal Ebony Parker as the defendant. After more than five hours of deliberation, jurors found Parker liable for the shooting, though the amount awarded was significantly less than the original request. The verdict must still be affirmed by a judge before Parker is required to pay any damages.
According to court documents, Zwerner alleged that the student had a documented history of behavioral issues, including a prior incident in which he reportedly strangled and choked a teacher. The lawsuit stated that Parker had been repeatedly warned about the student’s behavior but had failed to take appropriate action.
On the day of the shooting, multiple staff members allegedly raised concerns that the student might be armed. Zwerner’s lawsuit claimed that Parker declined to authorize a search of the child for a weapon, despite these warnings.
Separate from the civil case, Parker has been charged with eight counts of felony child abuse in connection with the incident. The criminal proceedings are ongoing.
The shooting drew national attention and raised questions about school safety, accountability, and administrative response to behavioral threats involving young students.
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