A recent update was released concerning the January incident at a Virginia school, where a six-year-old student shot his teacher, Abby Zwerner. 

Police search warrants, now available to the public, indicate the boy’s comments after the shooting: “I shot that (expletive) dead,” and his admission of taking his mother’s gun.

Zwerner, who was injured in her hand and chest, has lodged a $40 million lawsuit against Newport News Public Schools. 

A reading specialist passing by the classroom at Richneck Elementary heard the gunshot. Students exited the room, revealing Zwerner with injuries and the boy standing close to his desk with the handgun nearby. The specialist held the boy until police reached the scene.

Upon inspection, a loaded 9 mm handgun and a spent shell casing were found in the classroom. Zwerner stated the boy shot her once after aiming at her. 

Deja Taylor, the child’s mother, is now facing charges for child neglect and not securely storing the firearm. Taylor maintains the firearm was safely stored, though the gunlock key was located under her mattress.

The incident has resulted in the lawsuit against the school, alleging negligence and overlooking prior alerts about the child’s aggressive behavior. The school board noted the child was under evaluation for potential ADHD. Current laws require students with behavioral challenges to stay in standard classrooms. The case against Taylor will proceed to a plea hearing next week.