Prosecutors seek bond revocation for mother of Virginia boy who shot teacher.
RICHMOND, Va.—Prosecutors Seek Bond Revocation for Mother of Boy Who Shot Teacher
Prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke the bond of Deja Taylor, the mother of a Virginia boy who shot and injured his first-grade teacher. Taylor had pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident, but prosecutors allege that she violated the conditions of her bond by failing multiple drug tests.
Taylor admitted to possessing a gun while having marijuana and lying on a federal background check form when purchasing the handgun her son used in the shooting at Richneck Elementary School. The incident occurred when the boy was just 6 years old, and his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, sustained serious injuries.
While awaiting sentencing, Taylor was released on bond with the condition that she abstain from illegal drug use and possession. However, prosecutors claim that she tested positive for marijuana and cocaine, missed drug screenings, and skipped scheduled drug treatment sessions.
Related Stories
- Teacher Who Was Shot by 6-Year-Old Student in Virginia Has Resigned, School Officials Say (6/14/2023)
- Police Arrest Mother of 6-Year-Old Child Who Shot Teacher in Virginia School (4/14/2023)
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Peter Osyf expressed concern about Taylor’s repeated violations, stating, “These violations are serious and call into question the defendant’s danger to the community, respect for the law and this Court’s Orders, and gives the United States no faith that the defendant will abide by the terms of her court supervision since her conduct is repeated and not merely one mistake.”
Taylor’s defense attorney, James Ellenson, plans to request that U.S. District Judge Mark Davis does not revoke her bond. Ellenson emphasized his client’s substance abuse and mental health issues, asking for compassion and understanding.
The prosecutors have requested a hearing on their motion, but no date has been set yet. Taylor’s sentencing is scheduled for October 18, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of 18 to 24 months.
In addition to the federal charges, Taylor has also pleaded guilty to a state charge of felony child neglect. Prosecutors will recommend a sentence within state guidelines, which is expected to be no more than six months. A misdemeanor charge of reckless storage of a firearm will be dropped. Sentencing for the state charge is set for October 27.
Ellenson has claimed that Taylor believed her gun was securely stored on a high closet shelf with a trigger lock before the shooting occurred. However, federal prosecutors have stated that no trigger lock or key was found during searches of Taylor’s home.
The shooting incident and its aftermath have had a significant impact on the city of Newport News, located near the Atlantic Coast.
" 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...