A six-year-old Virginia student who shot his teacher at point-blank range in the classroom will not be charged with a crime.
The city prosecutor of Newport News, Virginia, stated on Wednesday that he will not pursue charges against the youngster because the possibility that a 6-year-old can stand trial is problematic.
Virginia Boy Shoots Teacher
This comes after the unnamed child opened fire on his first-grade elementary school teacher Abby Zwerner on January 6 at Richneck Elementary School. The prosecutor has not yet determined whether or not to charge any adults. Following the occurrence, Zwerner departed the hospital.
The Commonwealth Attorney of Newport News, Howard Gwynn, stated on Wednesday that a 6-year-old cannot have the necessary criminal intent to commit aggravated assault.
In another interview, Gwynn noted that his office’s objective is not only to execute tasks quickly. The attorney asserted that the child was incapable of comprehending the legal system.
The six-year-old brought the gun he stole from his mother to Richneck Elementary School.
A father of one of the pupils stated that the child pulled out the weapon as the class prepared for an art session, prompting Zwerner to attempt to capture it.
Even after being shot, Zwerner looked after her students before asking for assistance. Associate University of Virginia School of Law professor Andrew Block had anticipated the child wouldn’t face charges.
According to Block, the infancy defense asserts that children younger than seven cannot develop criminal intent. All accused must be capable of standing trial, he added.
That implies that you must be aware of your legal options and contribute to your defense. A six-year-old would not be acceptable. Such a little child was beyond the capacity of the juvenile justice system.
Authorities reported that after the horrible incident, another school employee forcibly grabbed the six-year-old combative child and struck him.
The six-year-old was admitted to a medical facility for a psychological assessment after being accused of disturbing behavior.
The family of the 6-year-old boy said that following the event, the firearm was secured in the house. The family declared, We’ve always been committed to responsible gun ownership and keeping weapons out of the hands of children.
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No Criminal Charges Against The Child
For the January shooting, the superintendent and assistant principal may face legal prosecution. Following the finding of the handgun on campus, metal detectors will be installed.
The young gunman had worrisome interactions with teachers and other students, according to Zwerner’s attorney Diane Toscano.
Toscano revealed during a January news conference that a number of teachers had informed school administration about the boy’s concerning behavior, including the potential that he had taken a pistol to school.
The spokesperson for the Newport News School District was silent after the announcement.
While the investigation is ongoing, the district has stated that it cannot reveal the educational history of the child. Toscano asserted that the shooting lawsuit may have been prevented.
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