Former Assistant Principal Indicted on Child Abuse Charges in Connection to School Shooting

A former assistant principal of a Virginia elementary school has been indicted on child abuse charges in connection to a tragic school shooting incident that took place on January 6, 2023. Ebony Parker, who served in Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, is facing eight counts related to the events of that day, each carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

According to court records, a warrant has been issued for Parker's arrest. The exact details of the charges are currently unavailable as NBC News was unable to obtain a copy of the indictment. The Newport News Commonwealth Attorney's Office has not responded to requests for comment as of Tuesday.

The shooting, which involved a 6-year-old student firing a handgun at his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, raised concerns about potential security failures in the school district. Although Zwerner managed to escort her panicked class to safety, she sustained serious injuries. The bullet tore through her left hand, fracturing bones before lodging in her upper chest, leaving fragments behind.

Following the incident, Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school district, alleging that administrators failed to take action despite multiple warnings about the child possessing a firearm. The former assistant principal, Ebony Parker, resigned in the aftermath of the lawsuit.

Lawyers representing Zwerner expressed their support for the additional charges brought against Parker, stating that they highlight the failure of the school district to prevent the tragic shooting. They emphasized that the indictment is a significant step in holding accountable those responsible for the multiple failures and negligence in this case.

The mother of the student who carried out the shooting, Deja Taylor, was previously sentenced to two years on a state charge of felony child neglect. Taylor is currently serving a federal sentence and will begin her state sentence once the federal one is completed.

James Ellenson, Taylor's lawyer, expressed his belief that school officials should have faced charges earlier, highlighting the shared burden of responsibility that he believes his client does not solely bear. Ellenson added that these charges against a former school official represent a new frontier in school gun-violence-related prosecution.

The local prosecutor, Howard Gwynn, previously announced that no charges would be sought against the student, given his young age at the time.

The school shooting at Richneck Elementary School prompted seven lawsuits filed by parents and guardians, alleging negligence on the part of school leadership. The suffering endured by the students of Richneck is stated to have been ignored, according to Emily Mapp Brannon, a lawyer representing the families involved. Brannon expressed optimism that the criminal justice system will provide answers and hold the administration accountable.

As the legal proceedings continue, the community of Richneck hopes for justice and closure in the wake of the tragedy. The indictment of the former assistant principal serves as a potent reminder of the lasting impact of school shootings and the need for effective preventative measures.