Day 2 of Abby Zwerner’s $40M Richneck shooting lawsuit wraps with Zwerner’s mom testifying
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The long-anticipated civil lawsuit of Abigail Zwerner vs. Ebony Parker began Monday with jury selection, where the parties agreed on seven jurors and two alternates.
Tuesday morning, the courtroom was packed for opening statements, according to WTKR Newport News reporter Kelsey Jones.
Among the testimony delivered Tuesday was the Newport News Schools director of human resources, the reading specialist who found Zwerner after the shooting, and the trauma surgeon who treated her at Riverside Hospital. The day concluded with emotional testimony from Zwerner’s mother, Julie Zwerner.
Watch: Trauma surgeon testifies on Zwerner’s hospitalization following Richneck shooting
Trauma surgeon testifies on Zwerner’s hospitalization following Richneck shooting
Zwerner’s attorney Diane Toscano began her statement around 9:30 a.m., where she discussed how Parker was second in command at the school and that it is her role to ensure safety.
Then, “1:58 p.m., BANG!” Toscano said.” A bullet went through Abby’s hand, then through her chest.” The bullet is still in Abby’s body because it’s too dangerous to remove, she added.
Toscano stated that four teachers had warned Parker about the student having a gun.
“We’re asking that you listen carefully over the next two weeks from witnesses,” she said.
Dr. Nina Farrish, the director of human resources for Newport News Public Schools, took the stand and said Parker admitted to her two or three days after the shooting that it was reported around 12:20 p.m. the student had a gun in his backpack. That was more than 90 minutes before the shooting.
Later, Amy Kovac, a reading specialist at Richneck, took the stand and described hearing the gunshot coming from Zwerner’s classroom.
Watch: Dir. of human services for NNPS testifies on Parker’s actions following Richneck shooting
Dir. of human services for NNPS testifies on Parker’s actions following the Richneck shooting
“As I come in the door, Abby’s on this side. I see blood on her leg, so I knew she was hit,” Kovac said. “I wasn’t really sure. On this side, I see Jen open the door, the kids screaming and running out.”
She said she then walked to the shooter, who was referred to only as “JT” in the court, and attempted to subdue him.
“He was standing there with his legs kind of spread open, arms crossed and cocky, and when I got to him, I didn’t say anything,” Kovac said. “I took his wrist because I knew he shot with his left hand. I walked to Abby’s desk where her phone was. I put him in between my legs, put my arms around him.”
Watch: NNPS reading specialist recounts finding Zwerner shot
NNPS reading specialist recounts shooting at Richneck Elementary School
She then called 911.
The first day of testimony concluded with Julie Zwerner, Abby’s mother, who recalled seeing her daughter in the hospital after the shooting. She said when Abby saw her, she just said “Mommy…”
Watch: Zwerner’s mom describes seeing Abby at the hospital after shooting
Julie Zwerner recalls seeing her daughter in the hospital following Richneck shooting
“She was in pain, you know, all bandaged up, tubes and machines hooked up to her. Her arm was all wrapped up,” Julie testified.
Julie was also questioned about the lasting impacts of the shooting. She discussed her daughter’s current physical limitations in the aftermath, and said her daughter — despite her love and gift for teaching — does not plan to return to the classroom.
Watch related: True Crime 757 takes on the Richneck Elementary shooting
True Crime 757: The shooting of Abby Zwerner at Richneck Elementary as civil, criminal trials begin
