Virginia School Shooting Case: Former Assistant Principal Charged with Child Neglect

The case of a 6-year-old student shooting his teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, has taken a new turn with the indictment of the school's former assistant principal, Ebony Parker. This development highlights the complex legal issues surrounding school safety and accountability.

Details of the Indictment

Ebony Parker, 39, has been charged with eight felony counts of child neglect in connection with the January 6, 2023 shooting incident in Virginia. The special grand jury found that Parker showed a "reckless disregard for human life" in her handling of the situation leading up to the shooting.

The Shooting Incident

On that fateful day, a 6-year-old boy brought a 9mm handgun to school and shot his first-grade teacher, Abigail Zwerner, during a reading class. Zwerner sustained injuries to her chest and hand but has since recovered.

Warnings Ignored

According to Zwerner's $40 million lawsuit, Parker allegedly ignored several warnings about the student's behavior and the possibility of a gun on school premises:

• Zwerner reported the boy's "violent mood" to Parker
• A reading specialist informed Parker that the boy had mentioned having a gun
• Parker reportedly dismissed concerns, stating the boy's pockets were too small to conceal a handgun
   

Legal Consequences

Each of the eight felony charges against Parker carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. She is the first school official and the second person to be charged in this case.

Previous Legal Actions

• The child's mother, Deja Taylor, was sentenced to two years in state prison for felony child neglect
• Taylor also received a 21-month federal sentence for illegal gun possession
• Zwerner has filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school board, former superintendent, former principal, and Parker

Implications for School Safety

This case raises important questions about school safety protocols and the responsibility of administrators to act on potential threats. It underscores the need for comprehensive training and clear procedures to prevent such incidents.

Legal Commentary From our Crime Victim Attorney

Michael Haggard, Esq., a renowned crime victim attorney, offers his perspective on the case: "The indictment of Ebony Parker in the Virginia school shooting case is a significant development that highlights the critical importance of school administrators taking all potential threats seriously. This case demonstrates that there can be severe legal consequences for those in positions of authority who fail to act on warning signs. For victims of such incidents, it's crucial to understand that they may have legal recourse not only against the direct perpetrators but also against those whose negligence may have contributed to the harm. As attorneys specializing in crime victim representation, we strive to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve."

Source:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ebony-parker-charged-child-neglect-shooting-richneck-elementary-school-virginia/