Ebony Parker child neglect case records unsealing motion
Attorneys for the Daily Press and Virginia Pilot filed a motion on July 15, 2026, seeking to unseal records from the trial of Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal at Richneck Elementary School, arguing there is no basis to continue sealing juror identities and video testimony. As of May 21, 2026, Circuit Judge Rebecca Robinson dismissed all eight felony child neglect charges against Parker, stating the prosecution failed to prove its case and that charging a school administrator in such a situation was without precedent. Parker's criminal trial began on May 18, 2026, where she faced eight counts of felony child neglect for allegedly ignoring warnings that a student brought a loaded gun to school, which was used to shoot teacher Abby Zwerner. Previously, on November 13, 2025, a jury awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner in her civil lawsuit against Parker.
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July 2026 — 1 developments
Motion filed to unseal records in Ebony Parker trial
A new court filing in July 2026 seeks to unseal records from the trial of Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal at Richneck Elementary School. Attorneys for the Daily Press and Virginia Pilot filed the motion, arguing there is no basis to continue sealing juror identities and video testimony.
May 2026 — 2 developments
Judge dismisses all charges against former assistant principal Ebony Parker
A judge dismissed all eight felony child neglect charges against former Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker on May 21, 2026. Circuit Judge Rebecca Robinson stated the prosecution failed to prove its case and that charging a school administrator in such a situation was without precedent. This ruling came during Parker's trial.
Ebony Parker trial begins for child neglect charges in teacher shooting case
Ebony Parker's criminal trial for felony child neglect began on May 18, 2026. Parker is accused of ignoring warnings that a student brought a loaded gun to school, which was used to shoot teacher Abby Zwerner. Prosecutors have charged Parker with eight counts of felony child neglect, each carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
April 2026 — 2 developments
Ebony Parker's criminal trial: Key pre-trial rulings on testimony and cameras
A pre-trial hearing on April 24, 2026, for Ebony Parker's criminal trial allowed a former teacher, Susan White, to testify and permitted cameras in the courtroom under strict limitations. Parker faces eight felony child neglect counts, with her trial scheduled to commence on May 18, 2026.
Judge Rules Ebony Parker Must Answer Questions in Zwerner Shooting Case
A judge ruled that Ebony Parker cannot claim a blanket Fifth Amendment privilege for all questions concerning the shooting of Abigail Zwerner, though privilege was granted for questions about Parker's training. This ruling compels Parker to answer other questions about the day of the shooting. The ruling came after Zwerner's legal team sought to compel Parker's testimony.
January 2026 — 1 developments
Ebony Parker requests judge overturn jury verdict in teacher shooting negligence case
Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal found negligent in a teacher's shooting, is requesting a judge to overturn the jury's verdict. Parker's attorneys argue that Virginia's Workers' Compensation Act should have governed the case, exempting her from the lawsuit. They also contend that no duty was owed to the plaintiff.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Laura Owens pleads not guilty to faking pregnancies, new attorney appointed
Laura Owens appeared in court on December 2, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to charges related to faking pregnancies to obtain child support. Her attorney's motion to withdraw was granted, and she was appointed new legal representation.
November 2025 — 5 developments
Jury awards Abby Zwerner $10 million in lawsuit against former assistant principal Ebony Parker
A jury awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner in her civil lawsuit against former assistant principal Ebony Parker. Parker's criminal trial on eight counts of felony child neglect has been postponed from November 17, 2025, to May 18-21, 2026.
Ebony Parker's child neglect trial postponed to May 2026
The criminal trial for former Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker has been postponed. Parker faces eight felony counts of child neglect. The trial, initially scheduled for jury selection on November 17th, is now slated for May 2026.
Students Sue Former Assistant Principal Ebony Parker After $10M Verdict
Students who witnessed the shooting of teacher Abby Zwerner are now filing their own lawsuit against former assistant principal Ebony Parker. This action follows a $10 million verdict against Parker, who was found liable for ignoring multiple warnings about the student possessing a weapon.
Former Assistant Principal Ebony Parker Faces Child Abuse Trial in November 2025
Former assistant principal Ebony Parker faces up to four years in prison if convicted on eight felony counts of child abuse. Her criminal trial is expected to commence in November 2025.
Dr. Amy Klinger testifies Ebony Parker did not breach professional standards
During the civil trial, a defense witness, school safety expert Dr. Amy Klinger, testifies that Ebony Parker did not breach professional standards.
October 2025 — 1 developments
Abby Zwerner v. Ebony Parker Civil Trial Begins in Virginia
The civil trial for Abby Zwerner v. Ebony Parker begins in Virginia.
June 2024 — 1 developments
Judge Dismisses Superintendent, Principal from Civil Lawsuit
A judge dismisses the school district's superintendent and the school principal as defendants from the civil lawsuit, leaving Ebony Parker as the sole defendant.
April 2024 — 1 developments
Ebony Parker indicted on eight felony counts of child neglect after Richneck Elementary shooting
Ebony Parker has been indicted on eight felony counts of child neglect. A special grand jury found that Parker showed "reckless disregard for the human life" of students in connection with the shooting of a teacher at Richneck Elementary School.
March 2023 — 1 developments
Abby Zwerner files $40 million negligence lawsuit against Newport News School Board
Abby Zwerner files a $40 million civil lawsuit against the Newport News School Board and several administrators, including Assistant Principal Ebony Parker, alleging gross negligence.