Virginia judge drops criminal charges against former assistant principal in Richneck shooting

A Virginia judge dismissed eight felony child abuse charges against former Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker in the 2023 shooting of teacher Abby Zwerner by a 6-year-old student, ruling the conduct was not a crime. The decision follows a civil verdict that found Parker grossly negligent and awarded Zwerner $10 million, and defense lawyers argued Parker’s actions reflected a lapse in judgment rather than criminal intent. Parker pleaded not guilty. The case’s dismissal affects criminal liability while civil proceedings continue; the shooter’s mother, Deja Taylor, remains in prison on related charges.