Understanding the Trial Surrounding a Teacher Wounded by a Young Student
A teacher who was shot by a six-year-old student in her classroom is now seeking justice. Abby Zwerner, who was once full of life and enthusiasm, now fights not just for herself but also for a safer environment in schools.
Zwerner's twin sister, Hannah, recently testified about the drastic change in Abby's life after the incident.
The Lawsuit: A Hefty Sum and a Serious Accusation
Zwerner is seeking $40 million in damages from Ebony Parker, a former assistant principal. Zwerner alleges that Parker neglected several warning signs that the student had a firearm at school.
The civil trial sheds light on key details that will be discussed in the criminal case against Parker next month. Parker is facing eight charges of felony child neglect.
Charging school officials after a violent incident at the school is not common. But this case could establish a precedent, especially as communities across the country wrestle with the question of accountability after school shootings.
Ignoring the Red Flags: The Heart of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit claims that Parker ignored several concerns and warnings shared by teachers and staff members. These warnings suggested that the young student might have brought a gun to school on the day of the shooting.
According to the complaint, Parker ignored warnings from school staff about students seeing the firearm and the boy removing something that looked like a gun from his backpack. Despite these warnings, Parker allegedly prohibited teachers from searching the boy, assuring them that his mother would be picking him up soon.
Zwerner herself had warned Parker about the student's violent mood that day. Moreover, the boy was known to have violent tendencies and was supposed to be accompanied by a parent during the school day. However, on the day of the shooting, the school administration allowed the boy to remain unattended.
The lawsuit also mentions that during the previous school year, the boy had strangled a teacher and behaved inappropriately with a female classmate.
According to a grand jury report released last year, poor decisions led to the preventable shooting. Two weeks after the incident, Parker resigned, and the principal was reassigned. The school board also voted out the superintendent.
Devastating Injuries and Emotional Trauma
Zwerner's injuries were life-threatening. The bullet missed her heart by a whisker and she underwent six surgeries during her two-week stay in the hospital. Even after multiple surgeries, her hand will never regain its normal function.
In a courtroom statement, Zwerner described the terrifying moment when the boy shot her. The bullet went through her hand and lodged into her chest, leaving fragments that will remain forever.
Defendants and Legal Proceedings
Parker is the sole defendant in the lawsuit. Other defendants, including the school board, the former superintendent, and the former principal, were dismissed by a judge.
The student's mother was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for child neglect and federal weapons charges. The boy himself was not charged.
The firearm used in the shooting was purchased by the boy's mother and was supposedly secured by a trigger lock in her closet. However, the boy managed to get the gun from his mother's purse. Authorities later found no trigger lock or key to it.
The boy's mother had no previous criminal record and has been cooperating with the authorities since the incident. She turned herself into the police after state charges were filed against her and was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
The Potential Precedent
The case could set a precedent, as holding school officials criminally responsible for school shootings is uncommon. This case bears some resemblance to the charges filed against a deputy who remained outside during a mass shooting at a high school in Florida. However, the deputy was acquitted on all counts.
So far this year, there have been 356 mass shootings, resulting in at least 300 deaths and 1,600 injuries.
Charging school officials for neglect seems to be an emerging strategy. It may be the only way left to hold accountable those who provide access to guns, especially to children.
The civil trial could provide a glimpse into what the criminal case might look like. Both the prosecution and the defense should have a clear idea of the evidence and the witness statements.
This case could set a significant precedent, making school officials more aware of their responsibilities when they receive information about a student with a gun or posing a danger to others.