Story perspectives

Jury selection begins for Virginia assistant principal in school shooting

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jury selection began Monday in Virginia for Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker, who faces eight felony child-neglect counts for the 2023 shooting.
Prosecutors say Parker ignored staff warnings the six-year-old might bring a gun, prompting Newport News Public Schools to install backpack policies, weapon detectors and metal detectors.
The child obtained the loaded firearm from his mother’s purse, leading to mother Deja Taylor receiving nearly four years in prison.

History

Historical Context

The April 20 1999 Columbine High School massacre, in which 13 students and a teacher were killed, spurred nationwide security reforms such as metal detectors, ID checks, and zero-tolerance rules. Those measures have been applied to later incidents, including the 2023 Newport News Public Schools case that highlighted ongoing challenges to elementary-school safety.

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Story summary

Jury selection began Monday in Virginia for Richneck Elementary assistant principal Ebony Parker, who faces eight felony child-neglect counts for the 2023 shooting.
Prosecutors say Parker ignored staff warnings the six-year-old might bring a gun, prompting Newport News Public Schools to install backpack policies, weapon detectors and metal detectors.
The child obtained the loaded firearm from his mother’s purse, leading to mother Deja Taylor receiving nearly four years in prison.

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