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A Virginia teacher shot by her 6-year-old student told jurors she never did it to the boy in her classroom the day of the shooting, as a jury heard from two trauma experts who said the former Shood Assistants said God was a school aide who said the school specialist was a reasonable assistant.
In a video played in court Monday, former first-grade teacher Abigail Zwerner was asked a key question: “She once isolated herself [J.T.] Leaving class on January 6, 2023? “
“No,” he answered.
Zwerner filed a $40 million negligence lawsuit against the former Ricceneck assistant. The teacher, 25, Parker, who is suspected of dating, did not give many warnings until the boy arrived at this 9-shot handgun.
Abby Zwerner was shot in her classroom on Jan. 6, 2023 by a 6-year-old student who brought a gun to school. (Facebook / Abby Zwerner)
Virginia teacher shot by 6-year-old student ‘thought she was dead’ as bodycam emerges
The boy opened fire in the classroom, with the bullet going through his left hand and his chest, where it rests. The bullet missed his heart.
Dr. Leigh Hagan, a forensic psychologist, testified that he had never met Zwerner or Parker but discussed the professional standards used when experts examine individuals in legal cases.
Hagan told the Marodors that psychologists are expected to consider “all available information” when making assumptions and point out missing evidence that might affect their conclusions.
Former Ricceneck Elementary School Assistant Principal Ebony Parker looks to return to court during Abby Zwerner Cleateit’s arraignment on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in Newport News, VA. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot via AP, Pool)
This development is also called by Dr. Amy Klinger, a national expert on school safety and the founder of the teacher’s school safety network. Klinger presented that, in his technical opinion, Parker did not violate professional standards and was “ignored” by Zwerner on the day of the shooting.
Asked if Parker’s decision to delay the search for the child was reasonable, Klinger said yes, explaining that the members were “due diligence.”
“This is 6 years old, this is a small child,” she said. “We’re not going to just be there and start doing body searches on kids, especially if there’s no good data to support that at that point.”
He added that, based on his review of history, “it would be difficult for anyone to have any evidence” of the child’s actions.
“Behavior and actions show that they didn’t see a visible, immediate vision,” Klerser said.
Under questioning, Klinger denied requests that Parker remain intly on his desk as concerns arise.
“I can’t say he never left his seat,” she said. “He provided help when asked.”
Klinger also testified that there was “no evidence” that Zwerner had contacted the students or notified any administrators about the shooting before the shooting.
Former elementary school teacher Abby Zwerner looks back at the courtroom during her federal trial, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in Newport News, VA. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot via AP, Pool)
Two teachers say a Virginia school heeded warnings before a teacher shot a 6-year-old
Last week, Zwerner testified about the long-lasting emotional and psychological effects of the shooting.
“The last thing I remember at school, I thought I was dying. I thought I was dead. I thought I was on my way to heaven or heaven,” Zwerner told the court. “Then everything went dark. So, I thought I’m not going there.”
Lawyers for the Newport News School Board argued that the preservation of the body was an unexpected act by a 6-year-old child and that Parker’s actions that day were not measured and justified.
Messages of support for teacher Abby Zwerner, who was shot by a 6-year-old student, look out the front door of an elementary school in Newport News, VA. Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. (Photo / John C. Clark)
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Parker faces a separate felony count of eight counts of child neglect, one of eight counts of endangering students in Zwerner’s class, prosecutors said.
The boy’s mother, Deja Taylor, is serving a two-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to federal gun and child neglect charges.
