A special grand jury investigating the 2023 shooting at Richneck Elementary school in Newport News, Virginia, has released a report highlighting a series of security failures and poor decisions that led to the tragic incident. The shooting involved a 6-year-old student who shot his first-grade teacher, resulting in serious injuries.
The report, dated March 11 and publicly released recently, points out a shocking lack of response by the former assistant principal, Ebony Parker, despite multiple warnings about the child's behavior. Parker resigned shortly after the incident and is facing charges of child abuse/disregard for life.
The grand jury report reveals that Parker received reports on the day of the shooting about the student having a firearm but failed to take any action. The child, who had a history of behavioral problems, was not removed from the classroom despite warnings from multiple sources.
The panel also noted missing evidence in the case, including the child's disciplinary records, and called for further investigation into another school district administrator for possible obstruction of justice.
Following the incident, the Newport News School Board expressed gratitude to the grand jury for its report and stated that they have implemented several changes to enhance school safety. These changes include the installation of weapons-detection systems at elementary schools, assigning additional security officers, and requiring students to use clear backpacks.
The teacher who was injured in the shooting, Abigail Zwerner, has filed a lawsuit against the school board and administrators, alleging negligence and ignoring warning signs. Zwerner's attorney emphasized the importance of accountability and justice in the case, calling for a thorough investigation by education authorities.
The report has sparked outrage among the families of Richneck Elementary School, with many expressing concerns about the safety of students and the handling of disciplinary records. The findings have raised questions about the school's culture and oversight, prompting calls for transparency and accountability.
