Mother of 6-year-old who shot teacher in Virginia may face jail for failed drug tests.
Mother of 6-Year-Old Who Shot Teacher Could Face Jail Time for Failing Drug Tests
In a shocking incident that rocked Newport News, Virginia, a 6-year-old boy used his mother’s gun to shoot his first-grade teacher, Abby Zwerner, in her classroom. As the mother, Deja Taylor, awaits sentencing on federal weapons charges, she could now be facing jail time for failing drug tests.
A bond revocation hearing is scheduled in federal court in Newport News, where Taylor will have to face the consequences of her actions. Taylor had pleaded guilty in June to using marijuana while possessing a firearm. It was also revealed that she had lied about her drug use on a federal background check form when purchasing the gun.
Related Stories
Despite being released on bond with the condition of submitting to drug tests and receiving addiction treatment, Taylor has twice tested positive for marijuana and once for cocaine. She has also missed multiple drug tests and treatment sessions, raising concerns about her danger to the community and her respect for the law.
While Taylor’s attorney acknowledges the violations, he argues against incarceration, highlighting the progress she has made in overcoming her addiction. He points out that her recent drug tests show decreasing levels of marijuana, indicating her efforts to abstain from the drug. He also suggests that the positive result for cocaine may have been caused by unknowingly using marijuana laced with the substance.
Taylor’s sentencing is scheduled for October 18th, and prosecutors have agreed to request a sentence of 18 to 24 months in prison as part of a plea agreement. Although marijuana is legal in many states, including Virginia, it remains a controlled substance under federal law. This prohibits gun possession by individuals convicted of felonies, committed to mental institutions, or illegally using controlled substances.
During searches conducted after the school shooting, authorities discovered marijuana at the residences where Taylor had been staying. In addition to the federal charges, Taylor also faces sentencing for a state charge of felony child neglect, which is set for October 27th. Prosecutors have agreed to seek a sentence within state guidelines, likely no more than six months, and to drop a misdemeanor charge of reckless storage of a firearm.
Meanwhile, Abby Zwerner, the teacher who was shot, is suing the school system for $40 million. She accuses school administrators of gross negligence and disregarding multiple warnings about the boy’s possession of a gun on the day of the incident.
How does Taylor’s use of cocaine raise concerns about her stability and pose a significant threat to the welfare of her children and others in the community
Issed scheduled drug counseling sessions. This continuous failure to comply with the terms of her release is a clear violation and raises serious concerns about her commitment to rehabilitation and the safety of those around her.
The shooting incident that took place in April shocked the community and left Abby Zwerner fighting for her life. She miraculously survived the attack but has been left with physical and emotional scars. The incident highlighted the importance of responsible gun ownership and the potential dangers of drugs in the wrong hands.
Taylor’s initial guilty plea to using marijuana while possessing a firearm demonstrated her lack of judgment and disregard for the law. This, coupled with her blatant dishonesty on the federal background check form, further undermines her credibility and raises questions about her suitability as a responsible gun owner.
In light of these recent developments, it is crucial for the court to carefully consider the risks posed by Taylor’s behavior. The fact that she has tested positive for cocaine, a highly addictive and illegal substance, is deeply concerning. It raises concerns about her stability and poses a significant threat not only to her own welfare but also to the well-being of her children and others in the community.
The consequences faced by Taylor should reflect the severity of her actions. The fact that she potentially endangered the lives of innocent children and disregarded the safety protocols associated with gun ownership cannot be taken lightly. It is imperative that the court takes her failures and drug use seriously and imposes appropriate penalties that prioritize public safety and act as a deterrent for similar behavior in the future.
Drug addiction is a complex issue that requires support, understanding, and proper rehabilitation. However, the safety of the community should never be compromised in the process. While Taylor should have access to the necessary resources to overcome her addiction, it is crucial that appropriate measures are put in place to protect the welfare of others.
The outcome of the bond revocation hearing will provide an opportunity for the court to assess Taylor’s behavior and determine the appropriate course of action. Whether that includes further rehabilitation, counseling, or incarceration, it is essential that the decision takes into account the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
The incident involving the 6-year-old boy and his teacher was a shocking reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible gun ownership and substance abuse. It serves as a wake-up call for the community to address these issues responsibly and support initiatives that promote gun safety, responsible drug use, and rehabilitation.
As the court proceeds with the bond revocation hearing, it is hoped that a just and fair decision will be reached—one that prioritizes public safety while also addressing the underlying causes of Taylor’s behavior. Only through comprehensive treatment, counseling, and stricter gun control measures can we hope to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...