Investigators later learned the weapon had been brought from the student’s home. The boy’s mother, Deja Taylor, pleaded guilty to state child-neglect charges and is serving a two-year sentence. She previously completed a separate 21-month federal term for firearm and drug offenses.
Allegations Against the Assistant Principal
Zwerner’s complaint asserted that, on the day of the shooting, at least three school employees warned Parker the child might possess a gun. Staff members reportedly asked permission to search the boy or his backpack, but Parker declined, indicating school dismissal was imminent. Attorneys for Zwerner argued during trial that Parker “had the entire puzzle” of information and nonetheless treated the day as routine.
The jury agreed, finding Parker acted with reckless disregard for the teacher’s safety. Under Virginia law, a gross-negligence finding requires a showing of indifference to foreseeable harm, a standard the six-member panel concluded had been met.
Defense Position
Parker’s counsel maintained the incident was unprecedented and unforeseeable, emphasizing that a six-year-old shooting a teacher was outside any reasonable expectation. The defense framed Parker’s decisions as “real-time judgments” rather than failures obvious in hindsight. Parker, who did not testify, showed no visible reaction when the verdict was read.
Financial and Legal Ramifications
One of Zwerner’s attorneys noted Parker is covered by an insurance policy held by the Newport News School Board, though post-trial motions could affect the final payout. Three other defendants—two administrators and the School Board itself—were dismissed from the case before trial.
Imagem: Internet
Separate from the civil matter, Parker faces eight felony counts of child abuse with disregard for life, a charge for each round in the handgun’s magazine. Her criminal trial is scheduled to begin later this month.
Impact on the Teacher
Zwerner resigned from the school system in June 2023. During testimony, she described believing she had died when the shot rang out and later realizing co-workers were applying pressure to her wounds. She has completed a cosmetology program but has delayed starting work while her hand heals from a recent operation.
Broader Context
The case underscores ongoing concerns about firearms on school grounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearm injuries have surpassed motor-vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death for U.S. children and adolescents, heightening scrutiny of school safety protocols nationwide.
Thursday’s verdict affirms the jury’s view that administrators bear responsibility for acting on credible threats, even when they involve very young students. While Zwerner’s civil claims against Parker have been resolved, related criminal proceedings and potential appeals mean legal activity stemming from the Richneck Elementary shooting will likely continue into 2026.
Crédito da imagem: Pool
