A Virginia judge dismissed all criminal charges against Ebony Parker, the assistant principal accused of ignoring warnings before a 6-year-old student shot a teacher in January 2023. The dismissal occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2026, after prosecutors rested their case and the defense argued no criminal conduct was proven under state law [1, 2].
Parker faced an eight-count indictment charging felony child abuse, neglect, and endangerment related to the shooting. Each charge carried potential prison time of up to five years [1, 2]. The incident took place at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, when the first-grade student fired a 9mm gun, hitting teacher Abigail Zwerner in the hand and chest. The student’s gun jammed after one shot. Zwerner underwent five hand surgeries and still has a bullet lodged in her chest [1, 2].
Multiple school staff warned Parker that the student likely had a gun. However, Parker allegedly did not take decisive action, reportedly saying the child’s mother would soon pick him up [1, 2]. Judge Rebecca Robinson said Parker's actions did not constitute a crime under Virginia law, adding, "If [Parker's actions] are meant to amount to a crime, the legislature will need to codify it. Therefore, I do grant the defense motion to strike in full on all counts, all eight counts of felony child abuse and endangerment." [2]
Ebony Parker’s attorney, Curtis Rogers, acknowledged a possible lapse in judgment but denied any criminal wrongdoing. Rogers said, "While my client may have 'made a mistake' and had a 'lapse in judgement', she did not commit a crime." [1] Parker’s mother also expressed support, saying, "She was a really great educator. A great teacher. A great person to advocate for the kids. That’s what breaks my heart, because these kids need every help they can get." [1]
Abigail Zwerner testified about the shooting in court, describing the student’s aggressive and defiant behavior earlier that week. She recalled, "I saw this student looking at me. I looked over, the gun was pointed right at me, and then I was shot." [2]
In a related civil case, Zwerner was awarded $10 million in damages in November 2025 for gross negligence by Newport News Public Schools and administrators in connection with the shooting [1, 2].
The dismissal of criminal charges against Ebony Parker marks the latest legal development in the aftermath of the 2023 shooting at Richneck Elementary. No further criminal proceedings against Parker are scheduled at this time.
