A Virginia mother whose 6-year-old son shot his first-grade teacher in a classroom earlier this year was sentenced to 21 months in prison on Tuesday for two federal firearm violations.
Deja Taylor, 26, pleaded guilty in June to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
The handgun was the same one that her son brought to school in his backpack on January 4, 2023, and accidentally fired at his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, 25, in the chest. Ms. Zwerner survived the shooting and was hospitalized for several weeks. She later filed a $40 million lawsuit against the Henrico County School Board, claiming that the school district ignored warnings that the boy had a gun.
The shooting at the school sparked outrage and debate over gun safety and school security.
Her grandfather has had full custody of her son, since the shooting, according to court documents.
Relevant articles:
– Virginia mom whose son shot teacher sentenced on federal gun charges, Scripps News, 11/15/2023
-Mother of boy who shot teacher gets 21 months in prison for using marijuana while owning gun, USA Today, 11/15/2023
– Mother of 6-year-old who shot teacher will plead guilty to federal felony charges in deal with prosecutor, CNN, 06/05/2023