Key takeaways:
- Deja Taylor pleaded guilty to a felony charge of child neglect in a Virginia court
- The plea agreement allowed Taylor to avoid a potential six-year prison sentence
- The Newport News Police Department released a statement saying they are “pleased with the outcome of the case and the resolution of the charges”
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Deja Taylor, the mother of a 6-year-old student who police say intentionally opened fire on his first-grade teacher in January, pleaded guilty Tuesday in a Virginia court to a felony charge of child neglect.
The plea agreement was part of a deal that allowed Taylor to avoid a potential six-year prison sentence. She had been charged in April with child neglect and a misdemeanor count of recklessly leaving a loaded firearm so as to endanger a child.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Taylor only spoke to acknowledge the plea agreement. The Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney recommended a sentence of up to six months in state prison, which is in line with sentencing guidelines.
The incident occurred at an elementary school in January when the 6-year-old student allegedly used Taylor’s gun to shoot his teacher. The teacher was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The plea agreement was reached after a lengthy investigation by the Newport News Police Department. The department released a statement saying they are “pleased with the outcome of the case and the resolution of the charges.”
Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on August 10.
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