NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Abby Zwerner, the former Richneck Elementary School teacher who was shot by her 6-year-old student in 2023, has emerged victorious in her civil lawsuit surrounding the shooting.

A jury found Ebony Parker, the school's former assistant principal, grossly negligent in preventing the shooting.

The jury assessed Zwerner's damages at $10 million — less than the $40 million she was seeking when she filed the lawsuit.

Abby Zwerner, left, with her family leaving the courthouse after the jury delivered their verdict.

Jurors reached the decision on Thursday — the day after both sides delivered their closing arguments.

Watch previous coverage: Zwerner says she thought she was dead as she testifies, faces cross examination 'I thought I had died:' Abby Zwerner testifies & fa

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