The mother of the 6-year-old boy accused of shooting his first grade teacher during class in Newport News, Virginia, in January was sentenced on Wednesday to 21 months in prison on federal charges.
Deja Taylor faces felony charges, including using marijuana while possessing a firearm and making a false statement about her drug use during the firearm purchase. These charges stem from the aftermath of the January shooting incident at Richneck Elementary School.
On January 6, police reported that a 6-year-old student brought a gun into his classroom and deliberately shot his teacher, Abby Zwerner. The incident resulted in Zwerner sustaining a gunshot wound that passed through her hand and into her chest.
Federal prosecutors said the firearm used in the shooting was purchased by Taylor in July 2022. ATF agents never found a lockbox, a trigger lock, or a key for the gun, prosecutors said.
During the sentencing hearing, Abby Zwerner provided testimony about the lasting impact of the shooting, stating, “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.” Zwerner revealed that she has undergone five surgeries and continues to undergo regular intensive physical therapy to restore motion in her hand. first grade teacher
She expressed the belief that the permanent damage she suffered should never have occurred, attributing it to the actions or lack thereof on the part of the defendant.