The defense, however, contends that Zwerner could have taken her own action to protect herself. Under cross-examination, Parker’s attorney suggested that the teacher bore some responsibility for failing to remove herself or the students from danger.
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Living With Lasting Scars
The shooting left Zwerner struggling with both physical and emotional challenges. She described being unable to open a bag of chips or twist off a water bottle cap due to her hand injury.
“I eventually asked someone else to open it,” she recalled. “The smallest things remind me of what happened.”
The emotional wounds run even deeper. Zwerner shared that she broke down before seeing the musical Hamilton with family because scenes of dueling triggered flashbacks. “I just wanted to stay home,” she said through tears.
Since leaving teaching, Zwerner has completed cosmetology school and now works part-time at a gym. “I had to start feeling like a person again,” she said.
