Mother of 6-Year-Old Shooter Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Felony Child Neglect

Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, has resumed classes after a 6-year-old student shot his teacher in April of this year. On Friday, the child’s mother, Deja Nicole Taylor, was sentenced to two years in prison for felony child neglect.

Taylor, 26, was facing up to five years in prison, but was given a shorter sentence by Circuit Court Judge Christopher Papile that includes two years of probation. Prosecutors had suggested a sentence of six months in prison, but the judge’s punishment was harsher. Taylor had pleaded guilty in June to a charge of using marijuana while owning a gun, which is illegal under federal law.

The incident occurred on April 8th, when the 6-year-old student used his mother’s gun to shoot his teacher at Richneck Elementary School. The teacher was critically wounded, but is now recovering.

Following the shooting, Taylor was charged with felony child neglect and misdemeanor reckless storage of a firearm. She must begin her state sentence after she finishes serving 21 months on the related federal charge.

Richneck Elementary School has since resumed classes, and the Newport News community is still healing from the traumatic incident. The school district has implemented additional safety measures to ensure the safety of students and staff.