NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Abby Zwerner took the witness stand Thursday in a civil trial linked to her tragic shooting nearly three years ago by a 6-year-old student in her classroom. This pivotal moment in her lawsuit against the Newport News School Division marks a significant chapter in a case that has drawn considerable public attention.
Zwerner’s only remaining defendant in this civil suit is former Assistant Principal Ebony Parker. Zwerner’s legal team, headed by attorney Diane Toscano, argues that Parker’s negligence in responding to warnings about the potential presence of a firearm contributed to the shooting. Meanwhile, Parker’s defense maintains that the incident was unforeseeable, raising questions about the responsibilities of school officials in ensuring student safety.
On the witness stand, the 28-year-old educator described the harrowing moments leading up to the incident, recounting the chilling expression on the child’s face just before the shot was fired. “The moment went by very fast,” Zwerner recalled, highlighting the mental fog she felt in that instant. She also shared a deeply emotional moment of clarity following the gunfire, expressing her fear that she was dying. “I thought I had died. I thought I was either on my way to heaven or in heaven,” she said, before recounting how she gradually became aware of her surroundings and the urgency of the medical assistance she was receiving.
A forensic psychiatrist who has been treating Zwerner since the tragedy testified about the profound psychological impact the shooting has had on her. Dr. Clarence Watson reported that Zwerner suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as anxiety and depression. He described her nightmares filled with fears of being attacked again, revealing a deep emotional and psychological struggle as she continues to cope with the trauma.
Zwerner’s sister, Hannah, also took the stand earlier this week to discuss the significant changes she has witnessed in her twin since the incident. Hannah described Abby as more withdrawn and less communicative, expressing concern over her sister’s altered outlook on life. “She doesn’t want to go out anymore,” Hannah testified, highlighting the profound effect the shooting has had on Abby’s well-being.
First responders have also painted a stark picture of the aftermath of the shooting. During the trial, retired Newport News Sheriff’s corporal Thomas Blyth recounted the chaotic moments following the shooting as law enforcement attempted to breach the school. He noted the delay they faced in gaining access, which left them anxious while they awaited entry to assist those inside.
The trial included graphic evidence presented to jurors, showcasing both the scene in Zwerner’s classroom and the firearm used in the shooting. Testimony from medical professionals provided further insight into the serious injuries Zwerner sustained, including a collapsed lung as a result of the shooting. Dr. Romney Andersen, a trauma surgeon, emphasized the lasting physical impacts of her injuries, as Zwerner demonstrated the reduced strength in her injured hand.
The emotional weight of the proceedings has not gone unnoticed, with frequent moments of visible distress among family members present in the courtroom. Zwerner’s mother, Julie, previously testified, sharing her anguish upon seeing her daughter in the hospital after the shooting. The trial is expected to continue throughout the week, with witness testimony now focused primarily on the experiences of Zwerner and those who responded to the emergency.
As the case unfolds, the jury will have to grapple with complex questions surrounding accountability and the measures that can be instituted to prevent such tragedies in the future. A potential ruling against Parker could impact how similar cases are handled in educational settings across the country, shedding light on the critical issue of student safety and administrative responsibility in schools.