Jury Awards $10 Million in ‘School Shooting Lawsuit’
*Former first-grade teacher Abigail Zwerner has been awarded $10 million in a groundbreaking school shooting lawsuit. A Virginia jury ruled in her favor on Thursday (11-06-25), nearly two years after she was shot by a 6-year-old student in her classroom. The verdict holds former assistant principal Ebony Parker responsible for ignoring several warnings about the gun before the shooting.
Zwerner suffered critical injuries during the attack, which occurred at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News. The civil case claimed Parker’s failure to act was gross negligence. The jury agreed, granting Zwerner full damages plus interest starting from June 1, 2024, reports the NY Times and other outlets.
Gun Brought to School Despite Repeated Staff Warnings
On the day of the shooting—Jan. 6, 2023—multiple school staff members warned Parker about the boy’s behavior. Zwerner told Parker the boy was in a violent mood. Two other educators shared reports that students said he had a gun in his backpack.
Instead of taking action, Parker allegedly said the boy’s mother would soon pick him up. Under school policy, threats like these required immediate response. Witnesses testified that Parker failed to follow protocol.
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‘School Shooting Lawsuit’ Focused on Negligence Claims
Zwerner filed the school shooting lawsuit in April 2023, initially seeking $40 million from the Newport News School Board. While claims against the board and principal were dismissed, Parker remained the sole defendant.
The trial featured powerful testimony about what went unheeded that morning. Zwerner’s attorneys said Parker’s actions showed a reckless disregard for human life. The jury ultimately agreed, returning a swift decision in Zwerner’s favor.
Zwerner’s Harrowing Survival and Ongoing Recovery
When the 6-year-old fired the gun, Zwerner raised her left hand to shield herself. The bullet passed through her hand and into her chest, where it remains. She was able to guide her students to safety before collapsing.
Zwerner has undergone multiple surgeries and still lives with physical and emotional trauma. She testified about believing she would die in front of her class that day. Despite efforts to recover, she left teaching after the incident.
Boy Was Too Young to Be Charged in Shooting
The student who shot Zwerner was not charged due to his age. Court records said he had a history of violent behavior.
The boy, who reportedly said after the shooting, “I shot that b**** dead,” was not charged due to his age and is now in the care of a relative at a different school.
His mother, Deja Taylor, pleaded guilty to felony child neglect and firearm charges in 2023. She is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence.
Parker Now Faces Criminal Trial After Civil Verdict
Ebony Parker is also facing a separate criminal trial starting later this month. She has been charged with eight felony counts of child neglect—one for each bullet in the handgun. If convicted, she could face up to 40 years in prison.
The school shooting lawsuit may influence the criminal case, which will examine Parker’s responsibility as a school leader. Her defense has argued that she made real-time decisions, not reckless ones.
Why the ‘School Shooting Lawsuit’ Matters for Safety
This verdict could reshape how schools respond to student safety threats. Zwerner’s lawyers say it sends a message that staff must act when concerns are raised.
“Safety has to be the first concern at schools,” attorney Diane Toscano said outside the courthouse. The school shooting lawsuit highlights the need for accountability and early intervention.
Calls Grow for School Gun Violence Prevention
This case has drawn national attention amid rising incidents of youth gun violence in schools. Advocates are calling for stricter safety policies, better threat assessments, and secure firearm storage at home.
Zwerner hopes her case sparks change. She wants no other teacher or student to suffer like she did. Her legal victory is seen as a turning point in how schools handle early signs of danger.
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