by Newport News, VA – A jury has awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner, a former first-grade teacher who was critically injured after being shot by a six-year-old student in a Virginia elementary school classroom in 2023. The verdict was delivered on November 6, 2025, following a lawsuit against the school’s former assistant principal for alleged negligence.
The Shocking Incident and Legal Battle
The shooting occurred at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, when a six-year-old boy brought a firearm into the classroom, injuring Zwerner. She underwent four surgeries and still has a bullet lodged inside her body. The traumatic event left lasting physical and emotional scars on the teacher.
In her lawsuit, Zwerner named Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal, accusing her of failing to act despite multiple reports of the student possessing a gun. The legal team argued that four different individuals had raised concerns with Parker on the day of the shooting but no preventative measures were taken.
Personal Testimony Reveals Emotional Toll
During the trial, Zwerner recounted the moment she was shot. According to the Associated Press, she stated,
“I thought I had died. I thought I was either on my way to heaven or in heaven. But then it all got black. And so, I then thought I wasn’t going there. And then my next memory is I see two co-workers around me and I process that I’m hurt and they’re putting pressure on where I’m hurt.”
Zwerner’s attorney, Diane Toscano, emphasized the lasting impact on the teacher, saying,
“Abby was shot by a six-year-old student, and she will never be the same. She has endured four surgeries and still has a bullet lodged inside her.”
Legal Arguments and Implications
The defense argued that it was unforeseeable for a six-year-old child to bring a firearm into school. Daniel Hogan, assistant principal Ebony Parker’s attorney, said in court,
“No one could have imagined that a 6-year old, first-grade student would bring a firearm into a school. You will be able to judge for yourself whether or not this was foreseeable. That’s the heart of this case.”
Aside from the civil lawsuit, Ebony Parker also faces child abuse charges related to the incident, according to Virginia court records.
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Context and Community Impact
This case has received national attention, highlighting critical issues of school safety and administrative accountability. The lawsuit sought $40 million, but the jury awarded $10 million to Zwerner, marking a significant legal judgment in the aftermath of the tragic event.
For more detailed background and updates on this case, see the original report at People.com.
- Date of incident: 2023
- Location: Richneck Elementary School, Newport News, VA
- Victim: Abby Zwerner, first-grade teacher
- Defendant: Ebony Parker, former assistant principal
- Jury award: $10 million
- Initial claim: $40 million
- Ongoing charges: Child abuse charges against Parker
What Comes Next?
This verdict sends a powerful message about the responsibilities of school administrators in ensuring student and staff safety. It also opens conversation on how schools can better prevent similar tragedies.
What do you think about this powerful legal outcome and its implications for school safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
