Virginia Teacher Shot by 6-Year-Old Awarded $10 Million in Lawsuit Against School Administrator
Former Virginia teacher Abby Zwerner was awarded $10 million by a jury in a civil trial against former assistant principal Ebony Parker after being shot by a 6-year-old student in January 2023.
Overview
- Former Virginia first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner was shot by a 6-year-old student in her classroom at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News in January 2023.
- Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against former assistant principal Ebony Parker, alleging gross negligence for ignoring multiple warnings about the student's handgun.
- A jury awarded Zwerner $10 million in damages, finding Parker liable for failing to protect the teacher despite being warned about the gun 45 minutes prior.
- The shooting caused Zwerner to undergo six surgeries, lose full use of her left hand, and ultimately leave her teaching profession due to the severe injuries.
- This significant verdict against a school administrator underscores accountability for school safety failures, sending shockwaves through the military shipbuilding community and the nation.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on reporting the facts of the civil lawsuit's outcome and the details of the case. They present both the plaintiff's claims and the defense's arguments without editorializing or using loaded language. The coverage prioritizes factual reporting of legal proceedings and background information.
"The jury awarded the teacher, Abby Zwerner, $10 million in damages, with award interest beginning on June 1, 2024."
ABC News"The shooting sent shock waves through this military shipbuilding community and the country at large, with many wondering how a child so young could gain access to a gun and shoot his teacher."
NPR"A jury found in favor of Abigail Zwerner in a Nov. 6 verdict."
USA TODAY"The jury awarded $10m in damages to a former teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student, highlighting the serious consequences of negligence in school safety."
BBC News"Zwerner's lawsuit had sought $40 million in compensatory damages."
CBS News"The jury awarded $10 million to a former teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student, siding with her claims that an ex-administrator ignored repeated warnings about the child having a gun."
Associated PressArticles (10)
Center (6)
FAQ
Abby Zwerner's lawsuit alleged that Ebony Parker, the assistant principal at the time, acted with gross negligence by failing to act on multiple warnings that the student had a gun in his backpack, and by not allowing staff to search him before the shooting.
Zwerner was shot in her left hand, which resulted in multiple bone fractures, and the bullet lodged in her chest. She underwent six surgeries, lost full use of her left hand, and continues to suffer pain and emotional distress.
After the shooting, Zwerner escorted her students out of the classroom. Amy Kovac, a reading specialist, restrained the shooter and called 911, holding him until police arrived.
The jury awarded Zwerner $10 million in damages, finding Parker liable for failing to protect her despite being warned about the gun. The verdict highlights the importance of accountability in school safety and may set a precedent for how schools respond to threats.
The gun was owned by the student's mother, Deja Taylor, who had allowed the child to bring it to school in his backpack.
History
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