Trial of Former Assistant Principal in Teacher Shooting Case

Ebony Parker, a former assistant principal, returns to court facing criminal charges connected to a 2023 incident where a first-grade teacher was shot by a 6-year-old student. The event took place at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, where the student shot teacher Abigail Zwerner in the hand and chest.

Parker faces eight counts of child abuse and neglect related to the January 6, 2023, shooting. She resigned from her role following the incident. Last year, a jury found Parker liable for ignoring signs that the student had a weapon, awarding Zwerner $10 million.

In 2024, Parker was indicted on these child abuse charges. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. A 31-page grand jury report claims Parker failed to protect the 15 children in Zwerner’s class, even though staff and students warned that the boy had a gun and posed a threat on the day of the shooting.

A student reportedly saw the boy take the gun out on the playground. When a teacher wanted to search the child, Parker allegedly denied the request.

The victim’s attorneys stated that other teachers informed Parker about the potential threat, but she did not take action, citing school guidelines as evidence.

In a separate case, the child’s mother, Deja Taylor, was sentenced to two years in prison for felony child neglect. She will start this sentence after serving 21 months on a federal charge for using marijuana while owning a gun.

The current trial is anticipated to last three days. An acquittal could protect the $10 million civil award for Zwerner, financed by the Virginia Risk Sharing Association, which includes Newport News School Board. If Parker is found guilty, insurers may argue against paying the award.

A conviction might result in Parker facing up to 40 years in prison.