Abby Zwerner’s $40M suit over shooting by first-grader hinges on who should have stopped the boy
**$40 Million Lawsuit Over Virginia Teacher Shooting Could Hinge on Who Was Responsible for Gun Warnings**
A $40 million lawsuit filed by Abby Zwerner, a Virginia teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student, may hinge on who was responsible for addressing classmates’ claims that the first grader had a gun. Zwerner, who still carries the bullet lodged in her chest, argues that her former vice principal, Ebony Parker, failed to act on repeated warnings that the troubled boy had brought his mother’s handgun to class.
The case is set to conclude following four days of testimony in court. On the stand, Zwerner recounted the terrifying moment she was shot in her hand and chest in her classroom on January 6, 2023. She told jurors she believed she “died” and was on her way “to heaven.” The jury is expected to begin deliberations Wednesday afternoon.
The trial began on Tuesday, October 28, with Zwerner’s legal team calling 16 witnesses, including school staff. In contrast, Parker’s defense called only two experts—a medical expert and a school safety expert—who testified that Parker’s response met standard protocols. Notably, Parker, who also faces child neglect charges related to the shooting, did not testify in her own defense.
### Zwerner’s Testimony
Zwerner, 25, who had been teaching for just two and a half years, described the emotional and physical impact of the shooting. She vividly recalled seeing the student standing by his desk holding a gun and firing at her.
“I thought I was dying,” Zwerner said softly. “I thought I had died. I thought I was either on my way to heaven or in heaven. But then, it all got black and so I thought I wasn’t going there.”
She shared how the incident has affected her ability to perform simple tasks—like opening a water bottle or bag of chips—due to injuries to her hand. She also described difficulties leaving her home and maintaining relationships.
### Claims of Gross Negligence
Zwerner’s lawsuit accuses Parker of gross negligence for failing to act on warnings that the boy had a gun in school on the day of the shooting.
First-grade teacher Jennifer West testified that another student warned her the boy had a gun and threatened to “hurt us, blow us up.” West reported the threat to the main office, but counselor Rolonzo Rawles told her he couldn’t search the boy. Rawles testified that he alerted Parker, suggesting they search the student for bullets, but Parker reportedly said the child’s mother was arriving soon and they would check then.
Reading specialist Amy Kovac also testified. She recounted asking the child to open his backpack, but he refused, saying, “No one is getting that bag.” Kovac informed Parker, who dismissed the concern. Both Kovac and West said they instantly knew the gunshot fired later that day came from that student.
### Medical and Psychological Impact
Doctors testified that Zwerner still has part of a bullet in her body that could not be safely removed. An X-ray showing the lodged bullet was presented to the jury. Since the shooting, Zwerner has undergone six surgeries, the most recent in April on her hand.
A psychiatrist evaluated Zwerner and diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The doctor testified that she will likely require ongoing treatment, including therapy and medication.
### Family Testimony
Zwerner’s mother, Julie Zwerner, testified about the toll the shooting has taken on her daughter. According to CourtTV, Julie said Abby no longer wants to be a teacher and struggles to find joy in life.
Zwerner’s twin sister, Hannah, shared with the jury that Abby has become reclusive since the incident, according to WTKR News3. “She’s just not the person that she was,” Hannah said. “I feel like she’s kind of lost her sense of direction in a way. She doesn’t want to go out anymore. I don’t talk to her as much as we used to.”
### Related Criminal Cases
The 6-year-old boy involved has not faced criminal or civil charges. However, his mother, Deja Taylor, was sentenced in 2023 to two years in prison for child neglect after her son brought a 9mm handgun from her purse to school.
Vice principal Ebony Parker is scheduled to go on trial next month in the related criminal case. She has pleaded not guilty.
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This ongoing case highlights the critical questions around school safety and responsibility when warning signs are ignored. Jurors now face the challenge of deciding who was responsible for preventing this tragic shooting.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/04/us-news/abby-zwerners-40m-suit-over-shooting-by-first-grader-hinges-on-who-should-have-stopped-the-boy/
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