Closing arguments delivered in civil trial for teacher shot by 6-year-old student

Key Concepts

• Legal Case: Abby Zerner v. Newport News Schools
• Plaintiff: Abby Zerner (former teacher)
• Defendant: Newport News Schools
• Allegation: Negligence by Assistant Principal Ebony Parker
• Incident: Six-year-old student shooting Abby Zerner during class (2023)
• Damages Sought: $40 million
• Key Defense Argument: Unforeseeable tragedy, cautious action by Parker, teachers' ability to call 911.
• Key Plaintiff Argument: Parker's failure to act despite multiple warnings about the gun.
• Criminal Trial: Separate upcoming trial for Ebony Parker.

Lawsuit Against Newport News Schools Over Teacher Shooting

A jury is currently deliberating the case of Abby Zerner, a former teacher who was shot by a six-year-old student in her classroom in 2023. Zerner is suing Newport News schools for $40 million, alleging negligence on the part of the school administration.

Plaintiff's Arguments: Failure to Act

Zerner's legal team contends that the assistant principal at the time, Ebony Parker, failed to take appropriate action despite being informed multiple times that the six-year-old student was in possession of a gun.

• Specific Allegation: Zerner's lawyers claim that Dr. Parker "sat on her hands at 12:21 p.m." and that if she had performed her duties, she would have intervened by searching the student's belongings.
• Denied Searches: The plaintiff's lawyers also assert that Parker denied requests from teachers to search the boy's pockets for a weapon.

Defense Arguments: Caution and Unforeseeability

Attorneys for Ebony Parker argue that she acted with caution and that the incident was an unprecedented and unforeseeable tragedy.

• Waiting for Mother: The defense states that Parker wanted to wait for the boy's mother to arrive before conducting a search.
• Teachers' Responsibility: They also argue that if the teachers perceived the threat as sufficiently serious, they had the option to call 911 themselves.
• Low Likelihood: The defense highlighted the perceived low probability of a six-year-old student bringing a gun to school.
• Quote: "It was a tragedy that until that day was unprecedented. It was unthinkable and it was unforeseeable. And I ask that you please not compound that tragedy by blaming Dr. Parker for it."

Zerner's Testimony and Impact

Abby Zerner testified during the trial about the traumatic experience of being shot.

• Injury Details: She described how a bullet traveled through her hand and then into her chest.
• Psychological Impact: Zerner stated, "I thought I had died. I thought I was either um on my way to heaven or in heaven."
• Medical and Emotional Consequences: She reported undergoing multiple surgeries and currently struggles with depression as a result of the incident.

Future Legal Proceedings

Ebony Parker is scheduled to face a separate criminal trial in connection with the shooting.

Conclusion

The jury's deliberation centers on whether Assistant Principal Ebony Parker's actions or inactions constituted negligence, leading to the shooting of Abby Zerner. The case highlights the critical role of school administration in responding to potential threats and the complex legal considerations in cases involving young children and firearms. The outcome will have significant implications for school safety protocols and administrative accountability.