Virginia elementary school case tests accountability as admin faces neglect charges over gun warning

In Newport News, Virginia, assistant principal Ebony Parker is accused of ignoring repeated warnings that a 6-year-old had a gun before the 2023 shooting of first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner. Parker faces eight counts of felony child neglect, with prosecutors saying she failed to take basic steps (searching the child, contacting police, separating students) while the school policy required action. The case highlights the rarity of criminal charges against school officials in shooting incidents and follows a civil verdict that awarded Zwerner $10 million.