VA Teacher Shot By Boy, 6, Says She's 'Lost Her Purpose': Report

NEWPORT NEWS, VA — The Newport News teacher shot by a 6-year-old student spoke at a sentencing hearing for the boy's mother this week, telling the judge that since the shooting, she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and feels like she's lost her purpose.

Abigail Zwerner was teaching her first-grade class on Jan. 6 at Richneck Elementary School when the boy took his mother's gun from his backpack and shot Zwerner, striking her in the hand and chest. The shot resulted in severe injuries, including a lung collapse.

On Wednesday, the boy's mother — 28-year-old Deja Taylor — was sentenced to 21 months in prison for unlawfully using marijuana while owning a gun and lying on a federal background check to purchase the firearm.

Zwerner spoke at the sentencing, according to a Virginian-Pilot report, where she said the shooting had taken an emotional toll on her and her family.

"I've undergone five surgeries and regular, intensive physical therapy appointments to restore motion in my hand," Zwerner said, according to the statement obtained by the newspaper. "My mom and sister had to take time away from their work, and my brother moved his life across the states so he could be here to help."

Zwerner continued, telling the judge she was diagnosed with PTSD after the shooting. She said she regularly has nightmares, gets anxious in public places and is no longer able to teach, the report said.

"My life and once cherished career have been completely turned upside down. I feel as if I have lost my purpose," Zwerner said. "I loved children, and now I'm scared to have a job involving them."

• Related: Mom Of Boy, 6, Who Shot VA Teacher Sentenced To Prison On Drug Charge

Taylor's sentencing came two weeks after a judge ruled Zwerner could move forward with a $40 million lawsuit against the Newport News City Public Schools, The Associated Press reported.

The Newport News school board previously asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming Zwerner's injuries fell under the state's workers compensation act and could not be addressed through a lawsuit.

In the lawsuit, Zwerner claims school administrators ignored multiple warnings that the boy posed a threat.

Zwerner also alleges that school officials knew the boy "had a history of random violence" at school and home, including that he "strangled and choked" his kindergarten teacher.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Mom Of Boy, 6, Who Shot Teacher Facing New Drug-Related Gun Charges
• VA Boy 'Really Liked' Teacher He Shot, Mother Says
• VA School Board Wants Abigail Zwerner's $40M Lawsuit Tossed
• Mother Of Boy, 6, Who Shot VA Teacher Was Depressed, Attorney Says
• VA School Where Boy, 6, Shot Teacher At Center Of Criminal Probe
• Mother Of VA 6-Year-Old Indicted After Elementary School Shooting
• 'I Thought I Had Died': VA Teacher Recounts Classroom Shooting