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Judge dismisses charges against school official accused of ignoring warnings of gun before shooting

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Original Story by CNN
May 21, 2026
Judge dismisses charges against school official accused of ignoring warnings of gun before shooting

Context:

A Virginia former assistant principal is facing criminal charges for allegedly failing to act before a 2023 classroom shooting that injured a teacher, with prosecutors claiming multiple warnings about the student. The teacher testified that she had reported escalating behavior days earlier and warned about a violent mood on the day of the incident. Parker has pleaded not guilty and faces up to 40 years if convicted. Separately, a civil suit seeks about $40 million in damages for negligence, with the defense planning to present expert testimony. As of late May 2026, the trial was ongoing and testimony continued, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Dive Deeper:

  • Prosecutors accuse a former assistant principal of inaction after receiving repeated warnings about a student who later shot a teacher in 2023, triggering criminal charges against her.

  • The teacher testified that she alerted the school to the student’s behavior two days before the shooting after an incident where the student smashed her phone, and she again flagged concerns on the day of the shooting, citing a violent mood.

  • Parker pleaded not guilty to all counts and faces a potential prison term totaling up to 40 years if convicted on the criminal charges.

  • In the civil arena, the teacher sued Parker for negligence, seeking roughly $40 million in damages, with the defense anticipated to call expert witnesses to support their case.

  • By May 20, 2026, the criminal trial remained in progress with ongoing testimony and no clear verdict, underscoring a protracted resolution and ongoing judicial proceedings.

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