More than three years after a first-grade teacher was shot by a six-year-old student, former Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker is on trial for felony child abuse and disregard for life.
Background of the Shooting
The incident occurred on January 6, 2023, when the student brought an unsecured gun to school in his backpack and shot teacher Abby Zwerner in the chest and hand. Zwerner survived the attack, but sustained long-term physical and psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Several school officials lost their jobs in the aftermath. Parker resigned two weeks after the shooting, the principal was reassigned, and the school board voted to remove the superintendent.
Criminal Charges
Parker was charged in 2024 with eight counts of felony child abuse, one for each bullet fired. Prosecutors allege she failed to act on multiple warnings that the student had a gun and committed a “willful act or omission” showing reckless disregard for human life.
Parker has pleaded not guilty. Each count carries a maximum sentence of five years, and the trial is expected to last approximately three days.
Civil Case Preview
In a related civil case, Zwerner was awarded $10 million, claiming Parker ignored repeated warnings. The civil case highlighted testimony about the physical and emotional trauma Zwerner experienced, including difficulties with hand movements and emotional numbness.
Parker’s attorneys argued the shooting was unforeseeable. Defense expert Amy Klinger testified that Parker did not breach professional standards and that school safety is a shared responsibility among staff.
Mother and Student Legal Consequences
The student’s mother, Deja Taylor, pleaded guilty to felony child neglect and served two years in state prison, along with 21 months on related federal charges. The boy, described as having “extreme emotional issues,” will not face criminal charges.
Trial Proceedings
Jury selection began Monday, followed by opening statements. Prosecutors plan to call Zwerner to testify about the shooting and its aftermath. Parker did not testify. The criminal trial differs from the civil case because prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a higher legal standard than the “preponderance of evidence” used in civil trials.
