Overview
- Jurors concluded the administrator failed to act on multiple reports that a first-grader had a handgun before he shot Abigail Zwerner in January 2023.
- Damages are expected to be paid through the school district’s insurance pool, and the deputy principal can appeal the decision.
- Zwerner underwent multiple surgeries, retains a bullet in her chest, has limited use of her left hand, and has left classroom teaching.
- Authorities did not charge the six-year-old because of his age, while his mother was convicted in connection with the weapon and is serving a prison sentence.
- Legal observers say the case could influence how schools are held liable for ignored safety warnings, with separate criminal proceedings for school leadership reported to be forthcoming in mid-November.