Abigail Zwerner: Cops blindsided as family of Virginia boy, 6, who shot teacher releases defense statement
NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA: The police had been "blindsided" by the statement from the family of the 6-year-old accused of "intentionally" shooting a teacher at Newport News Virginia's Richneck Elementary school on January 6, 2023. The family apparently has defended themselves including the child through a statement released by an attorney James Ellenson on their behalf Thursday.
A spokesperson with the Newport News Police Department office told Law&Crime the statement was not sent to their office and that they first learned about the family’s alleged message through the media. As per other media sources, the NNPD has said that they were unable to verify that the statement came from the child’s family.
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Abigail Zwerner shooting: Virginia boy, 6, who shot teacher is 'acutely disabled', says family
“Unfortunately we are not able to verify whether this statement came from the child’s family,” a Newport news police spokesperson told 10Wavy. Zwerner has been hailed as a hero for being shot and taking care of the students while bleeding. She is reported to have escorted all 20 students out of the classroom after being shot. Zwerner was severely injured and wounded in her chest and one of her hands. She was released from the hospital as an outpatient earlier this week.
The incident that the Newport News Police Department has described as “intentional” has shaken the country and the community as it involved the youngest school shooters in the "substantial history of such violence". The family in the statement claims the gun used in the shooting was locked up while also stating that their child's "acute disability" should be blamed for the unfortunate incident. However, it doesn't give any details on how the gun was secured.
Police have previously identified the weapon as a Taurus 9-millimeter handgun and said it was legally purchased by the boy’s mother. Under Virginia law, an adult who “recklessly” leaves “a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of fourteen” commits a class 1 misdemeanor – which is punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine, the outlet noted.
Charges against the parents may be brought, according to Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew. However, he has emphasized that he did not want to "rush" his investigators or the local prosecutors, who will decide what to do with the evidence "in front of them."
On a GoFundMe page campaign organized by her sister Hannah Zwerner, she writes, "Abby, my family, and I are humbled by the outpouring of support we’ve received in the days following the event. Thank you for all of the prayers, well wishes, and words of kindness". The page states that it has been created to cover future living expenses as Zwerner recovers from the tragedy.