Trial of Former Virginia Assistant Principal for Child Neglect Begins

A former assistant principal in Virginia is facing trial for felony child neglect, as prosecutors claim she overlooked multiple warnings regarding a 6-year-old student who had a loaded gun. This incident led to the tragic shooting of first-grade teacher Abby Zwirner in 2023.

The jury selection for Ebony Parker, who formerly worked at Rich Neck Elementary School, commenced on Monday in Newport News. Parker has pleaded not guilty but is being charged with eight counts of felony child neglect tied to the shooting. According to reports, several school staff members alerted Parker about the potential presence of a gun but took no action prior to the incident.

Parker’s defense maintains that she is being unjustly blamed for broader systemic failures that contributed to the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Prosecutors filed one count of neglect for each bullet in the gun, indicating a serious level of accountability. If found guilty, Parker could face up to five years in prison per charge.

The shooting took place on January 6, 2023, when the student shot Zwirner during class. She was hospitalized for nearly two weeks and underwent multiple surgeries after the bullet narrowly missed her heart. Reports indicate that Zwirner has limited function in her left hand as a result.

In November 2025, a jury awarded Zwirner $10 million in a civil suit against Parker, citing that the educator failed to act on concerns regarding students possibly bringing firearms into the school. Zwirner’s attorneys described the verdict as a significant step in her ongoing recovery process.

In a recent civil trial, Parker’s legal representation suggested that the shooting was unforeseeable and argued that she bore no legal obligation to ensure Zwirner’s safety.

Zwirner is anticipated to testify during the criminal trial.

Authorities previously disclosed that the child managed to climb into a dresser and retrieve a firearm from his mother’s bag. The child’s mother has since been sentenced to nearly four years in prison due to the incident.