Jury Grants $10 Million to Virginia Teacher Shot by 6-Year-Old
A jury in Virginia has awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner, a former teacher who was shot by her 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School. This civil trial is significant, as it may influence future accountability for school officials in incidents involving firearms.
Incident Overview
The shooting took place in January 2023 when Zwerner was struck by a bullet in her chest and hand while supervising her class. Concerns had been raised by staff members about the child potentially bringing a gun to school prior to the incident.
Legal Proceedings Details
Abby Zwerner sued former assistant principal Ebony Parker, asserting that Parker failed to act upon the warnings regarding the presence of a weapon on campus. The jury deliberated for about 5½ hours before reaching a verdict.
Arguments Presented
Zwerner’s legal representation argued that it was Parker’s responsibility to ensure safety on school grounds. “A gun changes everything,” stated attorney Kevin Biniazan, emphasizing the need for investigation upon learning of a gun’s possible presence.
In contrast, Parker’s defense claimed that no one could foresee that such a young child would engage in a shooting. Parker’s attorneys contended that the responsibility for safety should not fall to one individual but rather all school officials.
Impact on Future Cases
This case could set a legal precedent regarding liability in school shooting incidents. Currently, there have been 64 school shootings reported across the United States this year, including 27 occurring on K-12 campuses.
Connection to Criminal Trial
The civil trial has revealed details that will be relevant in Parker’s upcoming criminal trial, where she faces eight counts of felony child neglect. Legal experts noted that holding civil trials prior to criminal proceedings is rare.
Testimonies and Outcomes
Zwerner testified about the ongoing emotional and physical impacts of the shooting, describing her experiences in harrowing detail. She has faced difficulties in everyday tasks due to her injuries.
Parker’s defense also aimed to question Zwerner’s resilience by highlighting instances where she managed to graduate from cosmetology school despite her injuries, aiming to demonstrate that she was not as incapacitated as claimed.
The verdict in this civil trial may have lasting implications, potentially influencing how school officials are held accountable in the wake of tragedies involving gun violence in educational settings.
