Former Teacher Shot by Student Wins $10 Million Verdict

UPDATE: In a landmark ruling, former teacher Abigail Zwerner has been awarded $10 million by a jury in Newport News, Virginia, following a devastating classroom shooting incident. Zwerner was shot by one of her 6-year-old students at Richneck Elementary School on January 6, 2023, an event that has raised urgent concerns about school safety nationwide.

The jury’s decision came after Zwerner’s legal team argued that the Newport News School Division and former assistant principal Ebony Parker failed to act on multiple warnings about a student possessing a gun. Despite the original lawsuit seeking $40 million, the jury’s assessment highlights the serious implications of negligence in school environments.

During closing arguments, attorney Kevin Biniazan stated, “A gun changes everything. You stop and you investigate.” He emphasized that multiple staff members had alerted Parker about the boy’s concerning behavior that day.

In response, Parker’s attorney, Sandra Douglas, defended her client’s actions, stating that Parker used “real-time judgment” amid an unprecedented situation. “Your job is to consider only what Dr. Parker knew at the time,” she asserted, while also questioning the extent of Zwerner’s emotional distress post-shooting.

Following the verdict, Zwerner’s attorneys spoke passionately to the gathered crowd, underscoring the message that teacher and student safety must be prioritized in schools across America. Attorney Jeffrey Breit remarked, “It needs to be the most important thing schools do—taking care of the teachers and safety of our students.”

In a related development, Parker faces a separate criminal trial for eight counts of felony child neglect, with each count corresponding to the eight bullets allegedly in the gun during the incident. This trial is set to commence on November 17, adding another layer of urgency to this ongoing case that has captivated and alarmed parents, educators, and communities.

As the implications of this verdict resonate, the discussion around school safety and accountability continues to grow. The outcome serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for effective safety measures in educational institutions to protect both students and teachers.

This situation is developing, and further details are expected as the legal proceedings unfold. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this significant case that is drawing national attention.