Newport News, VA – April 9, 2024 – In a move that has shaken the Newport News community, Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal of Richneck Elementary School, has been indicted on eight counts of felony child neglect. The charges stem from the harrowing incident on January 6th, 2023, where a six-year-old student shot his first-grade teacher, Abigail Zwerner.

According to authorities, Zwerner was leading a reading session when the young student pulled out a concealed handgun and fired a single shot. The bullet struck Zwerner in the hand and chest, but thankfully, she was able to evacuate her students to safety before receiving medical attention. The child, whose name has not been released due to his age, reportedly obtained the gun from his mother’s purse at home and brought it to school in his backpack.

The indictment against Parker alleges a critical failure to act in response to potential warning signs. Court documents obtained by news outlets reveal that a special grand jury investigating the incident concluded Parker exhibited “reckless disregard for the human life” of the students at Richneck Elementary. The specific details of these warnings remain under seal, but Zwerner’s lawsuit against the school district, filed last year, claims that school officials, including Parker, were notified by concerned teachers and students that the child might have a gun in his possession on the day of the shooting.

The charges against Parker were brought by a special grand jury convened by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for the City of Newport News. This typically occurs in high-profile or complex cases where a broader range of perspectives is needed before charges are filed.

Parker, who resigned from her position shortly after the incident, has not yet made any public statements regarding the charges. Her attorney also declined to comment on the ongoing case.

The indictment of a school administrator in connection with a student-on-teacher shooting is a rare occurrence. This case is likely to be closely watched as it progresses through the legal system. The community of Newport News continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, offering support to Zwerner as she recovers and demanding answers from school officials regarding safety protocols at Richneck Elementary.