FOLLOW US

Newport News, Virginia, is still reeling from a January school shooting. According to local news outlet WEHT, the mother of the 6-year-old shooter of his first-grade teacher has been sentenced to 21 months in prison on federal charges. 

The incident, which occurred in January at Richneck Elementary School, left the teacher, Abby Zwerner, with physical and psychological scars that she contends with daily.

Deja Taylor, the child’s mother, faced two felony charges related to using marijuana while in possession of a firearm and providing false information about her drug use during the firearm purchase. She pleaded guilty in June. 

Taylor faced a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

Donald Trump’s older Sister died, Family Mourns Loss of Former Judge Maryanne Trump Barry - USA Herald

Pro-Israel Rally Shines Spotlight on Hostages: Advocating for Their Safe Return - USA Herald

The Vampire Virus: A Bizarre Microscopic Revelation in the Virosphere - USA Herald

6-year-old shooter

The 6-year-old student brought a gun into the classroom, intentionally shooting his teacher.

 Zwerner, who sustained a gunshot wound through her hand and into her chest, spoke during the sentencing about the lasting impact of the incident. She revealed undergoing five surgeries and regular intensive physical therapy to restore motion in her hand.

Testifying about the firearm used in the shooting, federal prosecutors disclosed that Taylor had purchased the weapon in July 2022. Shockingly, ATF agents found no lockbox, trigger lock, or key for the gun, raising concerns about the accessibility of firearms in households with young children.

At the sentencing hearing, Zwerner emphasized the profound impact of the shooting on her life. "Not only do I bear physical scars from the shooting that will remain with me forever, I contend daily with deep, psychological scars that plague me during most waking moments and invade my dreams," she stated.

Gun was involved in other incidents

Prosecutors also revealed that Taylor's firearm was involved in another incident before the classroom shooting. An unreturned U-Haul truck rented by Taylor was discovered with a broken rear window, and text messages between Taylor and her son's father indicated she had fired at him after encountering his girlfriend. 

Fortunately, no one was injured, and the police were not called.

Court filings also detailed Taylor's history of marijuana abuse, describing it as chronic, persistent, and life-affecting. This substance abuse further complicated the legal ramifications for Taylor. Federal laws prohibit the possession of marijuana while owning a firearm.