Charges Dismissed Against Former Assistant Principal
A judge in Virginia has dismissed all charges against Ebony Parker, a former assistant principal at an elementary school where a six-year-old student shot his teacher during class. Parker faced felony child abuse charges for allegedly ignoring warnings that the first-grade student had a gun at school.
Her defense team contended that the state failed to establish a case against her. Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Robinson concurred, striking down all eight counts, including disregard for life. In court, Parker, dressed in a checked blazer, was visibly emotional and sobbed, resting her head on the defendant's table as the charges were dismissed.
"What happened that day was awful," Robinson stated from the bench.
Details of the Shooting Incident
In January 2023, the child fired a single shot at teacher Abigail Zwerner. The bullet passed through Zwerner's hand and struck her chest, necessitating surgery. Following the incident, Zwerner filed a lawsuit against Parker and was awarded $10 million (£7.5 million).
The lawsuit alleged that Parker ignored at least three warnings that the child possessed a gun on the day of the shooting, which occurred in Newport News. According to the lawsuit, Zwerner's attorneys stated that the teacher informed Parker that the child was in a "violent mood" and had threatened another student.
Zwerner's lawyers said that Parker "had no response" and refused to "even look up" when concerns about the child were brought to her.
Additionally, Parker is accused of disregarding warnings from other staff members about the possibility that the boy had brought a gun to school and of refusing a request to search his bag.
Defense and Jury Verdict
Parker's attorney argued that she could not have anticipated the shooting and claimed that Zwerner exaggerated the severity of her injuries. However, a jury sided with the former teacher, concluding that Parker's inaction constituted gross negligence.
Charges Against the Child's Mother
The child's mother, 26-year-old Deja Nicole Taylor, was charged with felony child neglect after her son brought her gun to school. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced in December to two years on state charges, in addition to 21 months on federal gun charges for providing false information about drug use on the firearm application.
Following the shooting, investigators discovered approximately 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis in Taylor's home. Although cannabis is legal in many states, including Virginia, it remains illegal to possess a firearm while being an active drug user.
Child's Custody and Current Status
The child, who was not charged with any wrongdoing, told police he accessed the firearm by mounting a drawer to reach his mother's handbag on top of a dresser where the handgun was stored. He is currently in the care of a relative and enrolled at a different school.
