Missing Disciplinary Files Draw Criminal Investigation
State prosecutors in Virginia are continuing their criminal investigation into the staff members of Richneck Elementary School regarding missing disciplinary files related to the 6-year-old student who shot his teacher. According to legal expert Neama Rahmani, the school’s director of Elementary Leadership, LaQuiche Parrott, could face both criminal charges and civil liability.
“Obstruction of justice charges can be brought against Parrott for removing or destroying records pertaining to a criminal investigation,” stated Rahmani. “These charges come in addition to the substantive child neglect charges already being faced by assistant principal Parker.”
Teachers’ Legal Obligations and Unique Circumstances
Rahmani highlights the unique nature of this case due to the involvement of teachers who had a legal duty to protect their students.
“Typically, inaction is not enough for criminal prosecution, but in this scenario, the teachers’ failure to act despite their affirmative duty gives rise to criminal charges,” explained Rahmani. “Any attempt to cover up a crime or impede the investigation will result in separate charges.”
School District’s Handling of Student’s Disciplinary Issues Raises Concerns
A special grand jury report released last week expressed concerns about Parrott’s “suspicious lack of memory” regarding the student’s disciplinary file. One file returned by Parrott lacked the necessary records, while the other remains missing.
Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn assured that efforts are underway to uncover how these files disappeared. “We’ll investigate with the school system to determine the circumstances of this situation,” said Gwynn. “If we find evidence to suggest that others should be held accountable, we will prosecute them.”
Negligent Behavior and Warnings Unheeded
The grand jury report also exposed a pattern of negligent behavior and unheeded warnings prior to the shooting. Assistant principal Parker, who was responsible for student care, exhibited a “shocking” lack of response despite receiving multiple reports of the student having a gun in the hours before the incident.
Parker was subsequently charged with eight felony counts of willful negligence, each carrying a potential five-year prison sentence.
Student’s History of Disruptive and Violent Behavior
The report revealed that the 6-year-old student had exhibited signs of violence prior to the shooting incident. During his kindergarten year, he was known for his disruptive behavior, including physical aggression and profanity.
In one instance, the student choked a teacher in 2021, and in another, he physically assaulted the school’s security guard. Despite these incidents, he was not given an IEP or considered for alternative school placement.
The report concluded that the student should not have been enrolled in regular classes due to his history of harmful and violent behavior.
Legal Actions and Calls for Accountability
The revelation of the student’s disciplinary issues and the school administration’s handling of the situation have sparked outrage and calls for accountability. Lawyers for the wounded teacher, Abby Zwerner, have filed a million lawsuit against the school district, alleging negligence and a failure to protect students.
Residents in Newport News have also expressed their concerns, calling for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
