NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The fourth day of a high-profile trial involving former teacher Abby Zwerner, who is suing for $40 million after being shot by a 6-year-old student, featured her powerful firsthand testimony. Zwerner recounted her memories from the moments leading up to the Jan. 6, 2023, incident at Richneck Elementary School and the harrowing aftermath as she fought for her life.
Taking the stand around 11:30 a.m., Zwerner spoke candidly about the traumatic experience. Reflecting on the moment of the shooting, the 28-year-old described the child’s uncomprehending gaze. “It all went by so quickly. His look was blank, yet fully aware.” When her legal team inquired if she sensed danger, Zwerner replied affirmatively, recalling that a bullet had pierced her hand before striking her chest. “I thought I was dying. It was an overwhelming darkness, and then I regained awareness with others around me applying pressure to my wound.”
Testifying before Zwerner was Dr. Clarence Watson, a forensic psychiatrist who has treated her since the incident. He detailed his diagnosis of Zwerner with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Dr. Watson revealed that Zwerner has experienced nightmares filled with visions of being hunted by the shooter and has faced haunting fears about her own mortality. “Abby has shown remarkable determination to confront her mental health challenges,” he stated, adding that she has also grappled with suicidal thoughts.
Meanwhile, behind Zwerner in the courtroom, her mother, Julie, and sister, Hannah, demonstrated visible emotional strain as they listened to Watson’s account of Abby’s ongoing struggles. Hannah took the stand earlier in the week, sharing a poignant observation of how her sister has changed since the shooting. “She doesn’t want to go out anymore. It feels like she has lost her sense of direction,” Hannah said. “We don’t communicate like we used to.”
Police bodycam footage shown during the trial painted a stark picture of the chaotic aftermath of the shooting. Thomas Blyth, a retired corporal with the Newport News Sheriff’s Office, described the moment his team arrived, highlighting their astonishment at the age of the shooter. “We did not expect to encounter someone that young,” he remarked while reflecting on the long wait for access into the school.
As the trial progressed, discussions about negligence highlighted the actions—or inactions—of former assistant principal Ebony Parker, who is the last remaining defendant in the lawsuit. Zwerner’s legal counsel contends that Parker was aware of potential threats posed by the young student and failed to act accordingly. In contrast, Parker’s defense asserts that the situation was unavoidable.
Additional testimony was provided by Dr. Romney Andersen, who treated Zwerner’s physical injuries at Riverside Regional Medical Center. He explained how the bullet caused significant damage, leading to a collapsed lung and impacting Zwerner’s left hand strength.
The trial, which began with jury selection earlier this week, is expected to last no more than eight days. Any potential verdict against Parker in the civil case will likely be covered by the Virginia Risk Sharing Association. As Zwerner continues to share her harrowing story, the case is drawing increased attention to the responsibilities of school administrators in safeguarding against violence in educational settings.