Deja Taylor, the mother of the 6-year-old boy who shot his first-grade teacher during a classroom incident in Newport News, Virginia, in January, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison on Wednesday. This sentencing comes in response to federal charges related to her possession of a firearm and false statements about her drug use in connection with the January shooting at Richneck Elementary School.
In June, Taylor pleaded guilty to the charges, which included using marijuana while in possession of a firearm and making false statements about her drug use during the firearm purchase. Federal prosecutors had requested a 21-month prison sentence, and Taylor faced a maximum penalty of 25 years behind bars.
The incident in January involved the 6-year-old student bringing a firearm into his classroom and intentionally shooting his teacher, Abby Zwerner. Zwerner suffered a gunshot wound through her hand and into her chest. During the sentencing hearing, Zwerner testified about the lasting impact of the shooting, both physically and psychologically. She has undergone multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy to regain motion in her hand.
Prosecutors also noted that Taylor’s firearm was involved in another shooting incident in the weeks leading up to the classroom shooting. Taylor had rented a U-Haul truck, which was later found with a broken passenger rear window, and text messages revealed that she had shot at her son’s father after encountering his girlfriend. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the police were not called in this separate incident.
In addition to the federal charges, Taylor also faces state charges related to the school shooting. She pleaded guilty to child neglect in August, with a misdemeanor charge of endangering a child by reckless storage of a firearm being dropped. Taylor’s attorney expressed her remorse and hope for rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for treatment for her addiction and challenges.
Meanwhile, Abby Zwerner has filed a $40 million lawsuit against her school district, alleging negligence. The lawsuit has faced legal challenges, but a judge recently ruled that it can proceed, allowing Zwerner to seek compensation for her injuries and suffering related to the incident.