In a TODAY Show interview months after the attack, Zwerner reflected on her recovery: “I’m not sure when the shock will ever go away because of just how surreal it was… I think about it daily. Sometimes I have nightmares.”
What Comes Next
Though Parker is the only remaining defendant, any damages awarded in Zwerner’s favor would likely be paid by the Virginia Risk Sharing Association, an insurance pool representing local public entities, including the Newport News School Board.
As the trial continues, Zwerner’s testimony stands as a harrowing reminder of the human toll of school violence—and the potential failures of those entrusted to prevent it.
