Ebony Parker, former assistant principal at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, is on trial on eight felony child neglect charges for ignoring warnings that a 6-year-old student brought a loaded gun used to shoot a first-grade teacher on January 6, 2023 [1, 2, 3].
The student shot teacher Abby Zwerner in the classroom. Zwerner spent nearly two weeks hospitalized, underwent six surgeries, has limited use of her left hand, and still has a bullet lodged near her chest [1, 2].
Each count against Parker corresponds to one of the eight bullets found in the gun, with a maximum prison sentence of five years per count [1, 2]. Prosecutors say Parker ignored repeated warnings from staff that the student had a gun in the hours before the shooting [1, 2, 3].
Parker's defense argues she is unfairly blamed for systemic failures and that the shooting was unforeseeable. They say she had no legal duty to protect Zwerner [2].
Zwerner testified approximately on June 2, 2026, describing the student's violent and defiant behavior before the shooting, including smashing her cellphone, staring intensely at staff, and wearing an oversized jacket with her hands in pockets during recess [3]. Zwerner said, "I saw this student looking at me. I looked over, the gun was pointed right at me, and then I was shot." [3]
In November 2025, a civil jury awarded Zwerner $10 million, finding Parker ignored repeated warnings about the student’s gun [1, 2]. The student’s mother pleaded guilty to felony child neglect and federal weapons charges and was sentenced to nearly four years in prison [1, 2].
The criminal trial against Parker began on May 18, 2026, in Newport News [1, 2]. Testimony and evidence continue to be presented as the case progresses.
