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The Newport News school shooting had perhaps the youngest shooter to date. And Deja Taylor the mother of the 6-year-old boy who shot a Virginia teacher at an elementary school is being charged. 

His mother faces felony child neglect and “leaving a loaded firearm to endanger a child,” a misdemeanor. A grand jury for the city of Newport News, Virginia, returned the two indictments, on April 10.

The shooting incident at Richneck Elementary involved a first grader who allegedly used his mother's firearm to shoot his teacher.

On January 6th, Abby Zwerner, was shot in the hand and chest by a 6-year-old student.  Zwerner underwent four surgeries and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital. 

The severity of the incident prompted the Commonwealth's Attorney to file charges against the child, although the investigation is still ongoing.

 The Commonwealth's Attorney for Newport News, Howard Gwynn, announced that the charges have been filed. 

Lawsuit in Newport News school shooting 

A lawsuit was also filed by the injured teacher, Abby Zwerner. She is seeking $40 million in damages against the Newport News School Board, former Superintendent George Parker III, former Richneck principal Briana Foster-Newton, and former Richneck assistant principal Ebony Parker.

The lawsuit accuses them of negligence and ignoring warnings about the child’s behavior on the day of the shooting.

Zwerner's attorney, Diane Toscano, said there were failures in accountability at multiple levels. And these failures led to the teacher being shot. And the school administration should be accountable for their role in the tragedy.

It is alleged that the boy had exhibited aggressive behavior towards staff and teachers in the past. He had reportedly cursed at staff, tried to hit other students with his belt, and even choked another teacher.

On the day of the shooting, other students were reporting that the child had a gun. And the staff was not allowed to search him.

School’s response in question

Zwerner’s case raises questions about the school's response to the behavior of the 6-year-old. And claims that adequate measures were not taken to prevent the shooting.

The firearm used in the incident was allegedly owned by the boy's mother.

James Ellenson, an attorney for the child's family, says that the gun was stored with a trigger lock in a closet. And the family does not know how the boy got the gun. He also claims that the parents have been cooperating with the authorities. And are praying for the welfare of all involved.