Ebony Parker child neglect case

Reference TimelineLast updated MAY 21
SUMMARY

All eight felony child neglect charges against former Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker were dismissed by Circuit Judge Rebecca Robinson on May 21, 2026, in Newport News, Virginia, during Parker's trial. As of May 21, 2026: Parker has been cleared of all criminal charges related to the shooting of teacher Abby Zwerner. Judge Robinson stated the prosecution failed to prove its case and that charging a school administrator in such a situation was without precedent. Parker had been accused of ignoring warnings that a student brought a loaded gun to school, which was used to shoot Zwerner, and each charge carried a maximum penalty of five years in prison. This ruling follows a $10 million civil lawsuit verdict against Parker in November 2025, awarded to Abby Zwerner.

Timeline

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May 2026 — 2 developments

  1. A judge dismissed all eight felony child neglect charges against former Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker on May 21, 2026.

    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.

  2. Ebony Parker's criminal trial for felony child neglect began on May 18, 2026.

    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

  1. A pre-trial hearing on April 24, 2026, for Ebony Parker's criminal trial allowed a former teacher, S…

    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.

  2. A judge ruled that Ebony Parker cannot claim a blanket Fifth Amendment privilege for all questions c…

    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

  1. Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal found negligent in a teacher's shooting, is requesting a judge to overturn the jury's verdict.

    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

  1. Laura Owens appeared in court on December 2, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to charges related to faking pregnancies to obtain child support.

    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

  1. A jury awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner in her civil 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.

  3. Students who witnessed the shooting of teacher Abby Zwerner are now filing their own lawsuit against former assistant principal Ebony Parker.

    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.

October 2025 — 1 developments

June 2024 — 1 developments

  1. 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.

    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

  1. Ebony Parker has been indicted on eight felony counts of child neglect.

    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

  1. Abby Zwerner files a $40 million civil lawsuit against the Newport News School Board and several adm…

    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.