Judge dismisses all child neglect counts against Newport News assistant principal Ebony Parker
Judge Rebecca Robinson ended the criminal case after prosecutors alleged Ebony Parker ignored warnings that a 6-year-old brought a gun to school.
- On Thursday, Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Robinson dismissed all 8 charges against former Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker, ending the trial tied to the January 2023 shooting that injured teacher Abby Zwerner.
- Prosecutors alleged Parker failed to follow safety procedures or initiate a search after multiple warnings that a 6-year-old student had brought a firearm to school, accusing her of a "willful act or omission" showing reckless disregard for human life.
- Stating "The court is of the legal opinion that this is not a crime," Judge Robinson struck the counts, concluding a trial that featured testimony from school staff, parents, and officials regarding response protocols.
- Zwerner's attorneys noted the ruling removes an argument used by the City of Newport News regarding insurance coverage, while they continue pursuing the $10 million civil verdict awarded against Newport News Public Schools in November 2025.
- Parker's trial joins similar cases in Michigan and Georgia where parents faced convictions for juvenile shootings, while law enforcement officers accused of inaction in Parkland and Uvalde were acquitted by juries.
9 Articles
9 Articles
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.
Judge drops criminal charges against school administrator who allegedly failed to stop first grader from shooting teacher
A judge has sensationally thrown out the criminal charges against the Virginia school principal who allegedly failed to stop the first grader who shot a teacher in her classroom.
Judge dismisses charges against school official accused of ignoring warnings of gun before shooting
A Virginia circuit court judge on Thursday dismissed criminal charges against Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal accused of ignoring warnings that a 6-year-old child had a gun, after the defense argued the prosecution had not made its case.
13 News Now
WCNCJudge dismisses charges against former Richneck assistant principal in school shooting case
A Newport News judge has thrown out the felony child neglect case against former assistant principal Ebony Parker, ending the criminal trial tied to the 2023 Richnec
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
