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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.

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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.

Taylor's attorney, Gene Rossi, expressed her remorse and contrition. And said she takes full responsibility for her actions. 

He emphasized Taylor's commitment to seeking treatment for her addiction, disease, and the challenges in her life, expressing confidence in her potential for a positive rebound after serving her sentence.

While Taylor faces federal charges, she has also been indicted on state charges related to the shooting. In August, she pleaded guilty to child neglect, with the sentencing pending. A misdemeanor charge of endangering a child by reckless storage of a firearm was dropped.

Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school district, alleging negligence. The school board's attempt to dismiss the claim under the state's worker's compensation law was rejected by a judge earlier this month. And the lawsuit is proceeding.