Jury Awards $10M to Virginia Teacher Shot by 6-Year-Old Student
A Virginia jury has awarded $10 million to Abigail Zwerner, the Richneck Elementary School teacher shot by her 6-year-old student in 2023.
Zwerner sued former assistant principal Ebony Parker for $40M, alleging Parker ignored multiple warnings that the child had a gun and had been acting violently. The student shot Zwerner in the hand and chest, leaving her hospitalized for nearly two weeks.
The incident stunned the community and intensified national debate surrounding school safety and how such a young child could carry out a shooting.
Parker now also faces felony child abuse charges in an ongoing criminal case. The child’s mother previously pleaded guilty to child neglect and to federal marijuana possession while owning a firearm.
The $10 million verdict in favor of Abigail Zwerner underscores the fundamental right of every educator and student to a safe learning environment. The jury’s decision signals that warnings about threats must be taken seriously and that school leaders share responsibility for protecting the children and adults in their care.
