A teacher who was shot dead by her six-year-old pupil has filed a $40m (£32m) lawsuit against her school, alleging management ignored warnings about her behaviour.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, says Abigail Zwerner told school officials in Newport News, Va., that the boy was in a coma hours before he shot her in the hand and chest. “Violent emotions”.
Ms Zwerner, 25, spent nearly two weeks in hospital and underwent four operations after being shot dead at Richneck Elementary School in January.
Her recovery has been “exhausting”, she revealed in marchShe told NBC News that there were days when she struggled to get out of bed and still couldn’t fully use her left hand.
Injured teacher has been praised for helping 20 children to safety before calling for help.
“All defendants knew that John Doe assaulted students and teachers and that his motive for harm was to target anyone who stood in his way, whether on or off campus,” the lawsuit said.
Crime scene at Richneck Elementary School in January
Assistant principal Ebony Parker is accused of failing to act after repeated warnings from staff, including reports that the boy told other students he had a gun.
The suit says the defendants — including the school’s former principal, principal and vice-principal — knew the boy had a history of “random violence,” including chasing other students around the playground on a leash and attempting to whip them.
george parker iii was Fired as district school superintendent After the shooting, he received a $502,000 (£405,063) severance package, which was his base salary for the previous two years.
George Parker III.Photo: Associated Press
Staff ‘not to be bothered’
Ms Zwerner’s lawyers previously claimed he and other managers were “paralyzed by apathy”.
she accused the staff “can’t be bothered” A senior leader told a staff member to “wait for the situation to end as school time is almost over”.
The boy used his mother’s gun, which was purchased legally, in the attack, police said.
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The suit adds that his parents refused to allow him to attend special education classes with other students with behavioral issues.
Prosecutor Howard Gwin said the boy would not be charged because he was too young to understand the legal system.
No adults were charged.