Jury Begins Deliberations in Richneck Elementary Shooting Case

UPDATE: A Newport News Circuit Court jury has begun deliberating in the civil trial involving former first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner, who was shot by a 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School in January 2023. The jury received the case shortly after 3 p.m. today, following two hours of closing arguments from both sides.

On January 6, 2023, Zwerner was critically injured when a student drew a gun and fired a single round during class, hitting her in the hand and leaving a bullet fragment lodged near her aorta. The implications of this shooting are profound, affecting not only Zwerner’s life but also prompting urgent discussions about school safety and accountability.

Throughout the week-long trial, Zwerner’s legal team has argued that Assistant Principal Ebony Parker was grossly negligent. They allege that she ignored multiple warnings about the possibility of a gun being present on campus, with attorney Kevin Biniazan stating, “Every minute matters.” He emphasized that Parker was informed over an hour before the shooting that a student might have brought a weapon to school.

“The road signs were screaming at her, flashing at her, telling her what was going to happen if she did not act,”

said Biniazan, condemning Parker’s inaction. He is seeking a staggering $40 million in damages for Zwerner, highlighting the lifelong impact of her injuries and the ongoing limitations she will face concerning medical care.

Conversely, Parker’s attorneys have countered that the situation must be assessed based on “real-time judgments” and not hindsight. Attorney Sandra Douglas argued that it was “unforeseeable, unthinkable, and unprecedented” for a six-year-old to bring a real gun to school. They are also pointing fingers at Zwerner and other staff members, suggesting that they share responsibility for the tragic event.

The jury has been instructed to avoid rendering their verdict based on sympathy or concerns over potential financial repercussions for Parker. It remains unclear how long deliberations will last, but the decision is expected to have significant ramifications for all parties involved.

This case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting critical issues regarding school safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions. As the jury continues to deliberate, the community and observers alike await a verdict that could set a precedent for how schools manage safety threats.

This is a developing story. For live updates and more information, keep following our coverage.