Virginia Judge Dismisses Neglect Charges in 6-Year-Old Classroom Shooting

A Virginia judge dismissed eight felony counts of child neglect against Ebony Parker, the former Richneck Elementary assistant principal, ruling her actions surrounding the January 2023 shooting of teacher Abby Zwerner were not a crime. Prosecutors argued Parker ignored warnings that a gun might be in a 6-year-old's backpack, but the defense contended she was not neglectful and Parker was not called to testify as the trial progressed. The case followed Zwerner’s severe injuries, a separate civil verdict awarding her $10 million, and Parker is no longer employed at the school.