A Virginia circuit judge dismissed all eight felony child neglect charges against former elementary school administrator Ebony Parker, ruling her actions before a six-year-old student shot teacher Abby Zwerner do not constitute a crime under state law. The decision came on the fourth day of Parker’s trial, bringing an abrupt end to the rare criminal prosecution of a school official following a campus shooting.

Judge Rules Actions Not Criminal

Circuit Judge Rebecca Robinson in Newport News declared Thursday that “the court is of the legal opinion that this is not a crime.” Defense attorney Curtis Rogers argued successfully that Parker’s decisions on the day of the shooting were not acts of neglect. “Her actions in no way indicated that she believed there was a firearm in the possession” of the child, Rogers told the court. Special prosecutor Josh Jenkins had attempted to portray Parker as dismissive when school employees approached her with concerns about a possible gun in the student’s backpack.

What Happened That Day

Parker testified through a video interview recorded three days after the shooting that she received reports about the weapon but could not leave her office due to ongoing testing. A reading specialist who initially reported concerns searched the student’s backpack but found no gun. Parker stated the student’s mother would arrive to pick him up and search his remaining belongings. Teacher Abby Zwerner had observed the student wearing an oversized jacket during recess, keeping both hands in his pockets throughout. After recess, the student continued wearing the jacket in the classroom, where he shot Zwerner at a reading table.

Severe Consequences for Victim

Zwerner spent nearly two weeks hospitalized and required six surgeries following the shooting. She lost full use of her left hand. A bullet narrowly missed her heart and remains lodged in her chest. The student’s mother received nearly four years in prison for felony child neglect and federal weapons charges. Defense attorney Stephen Teague said outside court, “We believe that the right outcome was reached and we’re thrilled for Dr. Parker.”

Rare Criminal Case

Criminal charges against school officials after campus shootings remain extremely rare, legal experts say. The January 2023 incident sent shock waves through the military shipbuilding community of Newport News and across the nation, raising troubling questions about how such a young child obtained access to a firearm and brought it to school. The case highlighted ongoing debates about school safety protocols and administrative accountability when preventable tragedies occur on campus.