Virginia Jury Awards $10 Million to Teacher Shot by 6-Year-Old Student

A Virginia jury has awarded $10 million to Abigail Zwerner, a former first-grade teacher who was shot by her 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News. The verdict, delivered Thursday, holds former assistant principal Ebony Parker responsible for gross negligence after allegedly ignoring multiple warnings that the child had a gun.

Abigail Zwerner Case and Verdict

On January 6, 2023, first‐grade teacher Abby Zwerner was shot in her classroom at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia by a six-year-old student. The teacher sustained injuries to her hand and chest, and a bullet remains lodged near her heart.

Zwerner filed a civil lawsuit seeking $40 million in damages against former assistant principal Ebony Parker. She alleges Parker ignored multiple warnings that the student had a gun and failed to act.

Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit accusing Parker and other school officials of failing to act on repeated reports about the student’s weapon.
After deliberating for six hours over two days, the jury sided with Zwerner, finding Parker liable and ordering her to pay $10 million in damages plus interest.

Parker was the only remaining defendant, as the principal and superintendent had earlier been dismissed from the case.

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The 2023 Classroom Shooting

The shocking incident occurred on January 6, 2023, when the 6-year-old boy shot Zwerner in the hand and chest during class.
The bullet narrowly missed her heart and remains lodged in her body.
Zwerner underwent six surgeries and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital.

According to testimony, multiple teachers had warned Parker before the shooting that the child had a gun in his backpack. Despite this, no action was taken to search the boy or remove him from the classroom.
Zwerner’s attorney argued that Parker’s inaction “put every student and teacher in danger” and that she “stuck her head in the sand.”

Parker’s Defense and Legal Troubles

Parker’s attorney, Sandra Douglas, argued that her client’s conduct did not amount to gross negligence and claimed that Parker had no legal duty to protect Zwerner personally.
However, the jury rejected that argument.

In a separate criminal case, Parker faces felony child abuse and neglect charges for her alleged failure to intervene. That trial is expected to begin in late November 2025.

Insurance and Payment Issues

The Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA) — an insurance pool that covers public bodies, including the Newport News School Board — may be responsible for paying the verdict.
However, legal experts note that if Parker is convicted of a crime, the insurer could refuse payment, arguing that criminal behavior falls outside their coverage.

Still, some legal scholars suggest the insurance association may feel moral or public pressure to compensate Zwerner despite potential exclusions.

Abigail Zwerner’s Recovery and Impact

Now 27, Abby Zwerner continues to recover from her injuries and has become a symbol of school safety reform in Virginia.
Her case has reignited national discussions on gun access, child accountability, and the duty of school officials to respond to credible threats.

Key Takeaways

Conclusion

The verdict marks a milestone in the ongoing conversation about school safety and accountability.
While Zwerner finally receives justice for the trauma she endured, questions remain about whether Parker — or the state’s insurance pool — will ultimately pay the $10 million award.