A former assistant principal of Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, Ebony Parker, has been indicted on eight felony counts related to the day a 6-year-old student shot his first-grade teacher. The shooting, which occurred on January 6, 2023, left teacher Abigail Zwerner injured and raised concerns about security failures at the school. Parker, who was responsible for the care of students at the school, has been charged with child abuse and disregard for human life, with each count carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Zwerner, who filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school district alleging negligence, claims that Parker failed to act despite multiple warnings from staff and students that the child had a handgun. The lawsuit details how employees alerted administrators about the student's behavior and threats before the shooting occurred, but Parker allegedly did not take appropriate action.

The indictment against Parker represents a new development in school gun-violence-related prosecution, as she is the first school official to face charges in connection to the incident. The boy's mother, Deja Taylor, was previously sentenced to two years for felony child neglect, as she owned the gun used in the shooting and failed to secure it properly.

Zwerner's attorney and the families of other students at Richneck Elementary have expressed relief that Parker is being held accountable for her alleged role in the shooting. The lawsuit against the school district and administrators continues, as the community seeks answers and justice for the traumatic event that unfolded in their school.