Abby Zwerner, the former teacher at Richneck Elementary School who was shot by her six-year-old student in January 2023, is set to testify in her ongoing $40 million lawsuit against Newport News Public Schools. This comes nearly three years after that tragic incident, which left her with a bullet lodged dangerously close to her heart. Medical professionals have advised that the bullet is too risky to remove due to its position.
The lawsuit includes former assistant principal Ebony Parker as a defendant. Parker is also facing separate criminal charges stemming from her alleged negligence, having been indicted by a special grand jury on eight counts of felony child abuse and neglect—one for each bullet in the child’s loaded gun. Parker’s trial is scheduled for November 17, 2025. The child’s mother, Deja Taylor, is currently serving a two-year state sentence for felony child neglect, followed by a 21-month federal sentence for related charges involving firearm possession.
In her testimony, Zwerner shared harrowing details of the incident, recalling feelings of dread after being shot and the extensive, ongoing impact on her life. She’s suffered physical challenges, including extensive hand injuries that impair her ability to perform simple tasks. Doctors have performed multiple surgeries, but the bullet remains in her body, making mobility in her hand difficult. Medical experts have confirmed that Zwerner will likely never regain full use of her hand due to the severity of her injuries.
Throughout the trial, Zwerner’s attorneys presented damning evidence, including body-camera footage showing the chaotic response of first responders at the school that day. Testimony indicates that multiple warnings were raised by teachers about the child’s behavior and potential possession of a firearm, yet Parker allegedly failed to take appropriate action. Education expert Ann Shufflebarger testified that Parker neglected her responsibilities by not acting on the threats reported by colleagues.
The impact of the shooting extends beyond physical injuries. Zwerner’s twin sister, Hannah, described how Abby has changed since the event, expressing concern for her sister’s emotional well-being and how the incident has created a barrier between Abby and the rest of the world.
The trial has also highlighted the events leading up to the shooting. Teachers testified that concerns were not only voiced but largely ignored, with many expressing regret that more action was not taken sooner. The narrative paints a grim picture of systemic failure, with both Zwerner’s legal team and teaching staff attempting to navigate the responsibility for that tragic day.
As the trial unfolds, the testimonies and evidence presented may not only serve to address Zwerner’s case but could also lead to broader discussions on school safety protocols and administrative accountability. The ordeal might shine a light on the necessary changes within schools to prevent similar incidents in the future, bringing hope for improved safety measures in educational environments. As Zwerner continues to fight for justice, her bravery in recounting the traumatic experience could inspire others to advocate for change.