Judge dismisses all child neglect counts against Newport News assistant principal Ebony Parker


A judge on Thursday dismissed the criminal case against a former Virginia elementary school assistant principal who was accused of ignoring warnings before a 6-year-old student shot and wounded his teacher.

Ebony Parker was charged with eight counts of felony child neglect in the January 2023 shooting at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News. First-grade teacher, Abby Zwerner, was injured in the shooting.

Former Richneck Elementary School teacher Abby Zwerner in Newport News, Va., in 2025.Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Judge Rebecca Robinson said she was striking all eight counts against Parker, who broke down in tears.

“So those matters are dismissed,” the judge said. “I want to add my ruling today is based upon legal principles only.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.



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