A judge on Thursday dismissed the criminal case against Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal of Richneck Elementary School, who had been facing eight counts of felony child neglect. The charges stemmed from the January 2023 shooting of first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner, who was wounded by a 6-year-old student.
Judge Rebecca Robinson issued the ruling after concluding that the allegations did not constitute a crime under Virginia’s common law or state code. Parker, who faced one count for each bullet in the student’s firearm, became emotional as the judge struck the charges, emphasizing that the decision was based strictly on legal principles.
Arguments and Testimony
The prosecution had argued that Parker failed to act despite receiving multiple warnings from staff members who suspected the child possessed a firearm. Special prosecutor Josh Jenkins told the jury that school employees had alerted Parker to their concerns, but she allegedly declined a request to search the child, noting that searches were restricted to administrators or security officers—the latter of whom was off-site at the time.
Defense attorney Curtis Rogers countered that the responsibility to intervene fell upon the teachers who had direct contact with the student. The defense contended that staff could have separated the child from the classroom environment if they truly believed he was armed.
Zwerner provided testimony regarding the student’s behavior, noting he had acted out in the days prior and appeared in a “violent” mood on the day of the shooting. Zwerner sustained injuries that required six surgeries and several weeks of hospitalization; she continues to experience limited use of her left hand, and a bullet remains lodged in her chest.
Implications and Next Steps
Following the dismissal, Zwerner’s attorneys issued a statement emphasizing their continued focus on the civil court verdict. They noted that the City of Newport News has resisted accepting responsibility for the failures that led to the shooting, despite the $10 million judgment already returned by a jury. While the criminal case against Parker is now closed, the civil judgment remains a point of contention.
The student’s mother, Deja Taylor, was previously sentenced in 2023 to two years in prison on a state charge of felony child neglect and 21 months on federal weapons charges. Because the criminal proceedings against the assistant principal have been terminated by the court, it is unlikely that further state criminal charges will be pursued against school administrators regarding this specific incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the charges against Ebony Parker dismissed?
Judge Rebecca Robinson ruled that the accusations against Parker did not meet the definition of a crime under the common law or the code of Virginia.
What is the status of the civil case involving Abby Zwerner?
A jury awarded Zwerner $10 million last year after finding Parker liable for ignoring warning signs, though Zwerner’s legal team indicated that the City of Newport News continues to resist accepting responsibility for the verdict.
What happened to the mother of the student involved in the shooting?
Deja Taylor was sentenced in 2023 to two years in prison for felony child neglect and 21 months on federal weapons charges.
How do you believe the distinction between civil liability and criminal responsibility affects public trust in school safety protocols?
