The Virginia first-grader who shot his teacher in January won’t be charged for the attack, and the Newport News prosecutor says he’s still considering whether the boy’s parents should face criminal charges.
Speaking with NBC News, prosecutor Howard Gwynn said the “prospect that a 6-year-old can stand trial is problematic” because, at that age, a child can’t comprehend the legal system or collaborate with an attorney working to defend him. Whatever the prosecutor’s misgivings, it is theoretically possible for a 6-year-old to face criminal charges in Virginia.
Two months after the disturbing classroom shooting at Richneck Elementary, Gwynn is still pondering the legal destiny of the six-year-old shooter’s parents:
“Our objective is not just to do something as quickly as possible. Once we analyze all the facts, we will charge any person or persons that we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt committed a crime.”
On Jan. 6, 25-year-old first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner was critically wounded when one of her students shot her once with his mother’s 9mm Taurus handgun, which she’d legally purchased. Zwerner was seated at a table when the boy — who’d firmly established a pattern of behavior problems and disturbing incidents with staff and students — suddenly opened fire.
While there was no confrontation immediately before the shooting, it came one day after the boy was issued a one-day suspension for breaking Zwerner’s cell phone.
That little boy will never be a benefit to society. His life of crime has already started. Regretfully he will become a legend among his peers.
yep cant wait for this one to growup
IMO the kid goes to juvy until 18 and mom gets charged and convicted (take your pick of charges ) when this is all over. Teacher will win the lawsuit and not have to work again, which I think would be just.
An infant that did not find a gun as a prize in a box of Cracker Jacks shoots his teacher. The Parents should be held accountable. We should start holding parents accountable for more from the misgivings of their loins.