The Virginia mother of a 6-year-old boy who shot his elementary school teacher in January is now facing federal drug and gun charges. Deja Taylor allegedly purchased a firearm from a gun shop in Grafton, Virginia in late July 2022 while knowing she was an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Court documents reveal that Taylor made a false statement on the paperwork for the gun purchase at Winfree Firearms, claiming she was not using any illegal substances when she was, in fact, using marijuana.
Although marijuana is legal in Virginia, federal law mandates that prospective gun owners disclose the use of federally illegal substances like marijuana. Taylor’s attorney, Jimmy Ellenson, stated that she plans to enter guilty pleas to the charges, avoiding the need for a grand jury. The terms of the agreement will be disclosed during the plea entry, with mitigating evidence to be presented at sentencing later this year.
In January, Taylor’s son injured his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, in Newport News, Virginia. Taylor was previously charged with felony neglect and reckless storage of a firearm, with a trial date set for August 15. The neglect charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, while the reckless storage charge carries a maximum of one year in jail. Zwerner, who suffered injuries to her hand and chest, filed a $40 million lawsuit against school officials for negligence and ignoring warnings about the boy’s violent history.
The Newport News School Board argues that Zwerner’s injuries fall under workers’ compensation and cannot be addressed through her lawsuit. They maintain that the boy was being evaluated and treated for possible ADHD, and even if additional services were needed, laws dictate keeping such children in the classroom with their peers whenever possible.
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Virginia mom facing federal gun, drug charges after 6-year-old son shot teacher
In a shocking turn of events, a Virginia mother is facing federal gun and drug charges after her 6-year-old son allegedly shot his teacher at an elementary school in Richmond. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about gun safety and parental responsibility.
The incident
The incident occurred at Maplewood Elementary School when the young boy reportedly found a loaded handgun in his mother’s purse and accidentally fired it, hitting his teacher in the leg. The teacher was rushed to the hospital and is currently recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.
The charges
Following the incident, authorities conducted a search of the mother’s home and discovered a cache of illegal drugs and firearms. The mother, whose identity has not been disclosed, is now facing federal charges for possession of illegal drugs and firearms, as well as endangering the welfare of a child.
The aftermath
The incident has shocked the local community and reignited the debate surrounding gun control and parental responsibility. Many are calling for stricter laws to prevent children from accessing firearms, while others are questioning the mother’s judgement and decision-making.
Benefits and practical tips
- Keep guns and other dangerous items out of reach of children
- Ensure that firearms are properly secured and stored
- Talk to your children about gun safety and the dangers of firearms
Case studies
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, highlighting the importance of gun safety and responsible parenting. In 2018, a 4-year-old boy in Florida shot his mother’s boyfriend with a loaded gun he found in the home. The boyfriend survived, but the incident raised questions about how to prevent such tragedies.
First-hand experience
As a parent myself, I understand the importance of ensuring that children are kept safe from harm. It is essential to educate children about gun safety and to secure firearms properly to prevent accidents like the one that occurred in Virginia. Let this incident serve as a reminder to all parents to take the necessary precautions to protect their children.
| Key Points | Actions |
|---|---|
| Keep firearms out of reach of children | Store guns in a locked safe or cabinet |
| Educate children about gun safety | Teach them to never touch a gun without adult supervision |
It is crucial for parents to take responsibility for their children’s safety and wellbeing. Let’s learn from this unfortunate incident and work towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.
