Teacher Testifies in $40 Million Negligence Case
Abigail Zwirner, a Virginia teacher injured when a 6-year-old student shot her in 2023, took the stand this week in her negligence lawsuit against the former assistant principal of Rich Neck Elementary School, Ebony Parker.
In January 2023, Zwirner, who was 25 at the time, was teaching first grade at Rich Neck in Newport News when the young student retrieved a gun from her backpack. The child fired the weapon, hitting Zwirner in the hand and chest. The bullet remains lodged in her chest, as removal posed a risk to her health.
A few months following the incident, she filed a $40 million lawsuit against Parker, who has since resigned. Zwirner claims Parker ignored multiple reports from staff regarding the student’s possession of a gun, despite clear warnings that the child had brought a weapon to school.
Another teacher, Jennifer West, testified that following recess, one of her students alerted the staff about seeing a boy with a gun. When counselor Lolonzo Rowles sought permission from Parker to conduct a search, she insisted they wait for the boy’s mother to arrive.
Amy Kovach, a reading specialist at the school, shared that she witnessed Zwirner inform Parker about a male student acting aggressively. Yet, Parker seemed indifferent, not even making eye contact during the conversation.
Zwirner’s lawsuit accuses Parker of egregious negligence that showed a reckless disregard for life. It highlights that Parker was warned about the student’s aggressive behavior but failed to act, which, according to Zwirner’s claims, contributed to the shooting.
“I thought I was going to die, I thought I was dead,” Zwirner recounted during her testimony, describing her traumatic experience as it unfolded.
Following the shooting, Zwirner underwent numerous surgeries and continues to struggle with daily tasks, such as opening a bag of chips or a bottle of water, due to her injuries.
During the trial, Parker’s attorney suggested Zwirner could have taken more precautions regarding the student’s weapon. Zwirner maintained that she felt secure, believing her superiors would be aware of any potential threats.
“No one could have imagined a 6-year-old bringing a firearm into school,” argued Zwirner’s attorney, emphasizing the gravity of Parker’s responsibility.
A GoFundMe page was set up by Zwirner’s twin sister, Hannah, to assist with Zwirner’s recovery expenses. On the page, she expressed her desire to help her sister heal from this tragic event.
“This fund aims to support Abby’s future living expenses as she recovers,” Hanna stated.
Currently, this is the only civil trial Parker faces; however, she is also facing criminal charges involving eight felony counts of child neglect, which could result in five years in prison. The 6-year-old boy has not been charged and is now attending a different school while living with his family. Reports indicate he found a gun in his mother’s handbag prior to the incident.
His mother, Dejah Taylor, pled guilty to charges of child neglect and is currently incarcerated. Prior to her plea, she misled authorities on firearms purchase forms, despite having evidence of drug use found in her home.
