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Virginia Jury Awards $10 Million to Abby Zwerner, Finds Ex–Assistant Principal Grossly Negligent

The verdict now turns attention to Ebony Parker’s upcoming criminal trial on eight child-neglect counts scheduled this month.

Overview

  • Jurors concluded Parker ignored multiple staff warnings that a 6-year-old had a gun at Richneck Elementary on Jan. 6, 2023.
  • The seven-person panel deliberated for roughly six hours over two days before returning the gross-negligence finding and damages.
  • Trial testimony detailed that Zwerner underwent six surgeries, lacks full use of her left hand, retains a bullet fragment in her chest, and has PTSD.
  • Zwerner initially sought $40 million, and a judge dismissed the superintendent and principal before trial, leaving Parker as the sole defendant.
  • The district’s insurance pool is expected to fund the award, though coverage could face challenges depending on the outcome of Parker’s criminal case.