Students return to Richneck Elementary in Newport News, Va., on Jan. 30, 2023, for the first time since a 6-year-old shot teacher Abby Zwerner three weeks prior.his first-grade teacher during class in Newport News, Virginia, in January has pleaded guilty to a felony charge in connection with the shooting.
"There were other persons who should be held accountable and while that does not diminish her role, that, along with her mental state following several miscarriages, as well as her being a victim of domestic abuse are mitigating factors which we hope the court will take into account at sentencing," Ellenson said in a statement to ABC News.
"I am, as a parent, obviously willing to take responsibility for him because he can't take responsibility" for himself, she said. Ellenson recently told ABC News that the child has had "extreme emotional issues for some time" but is "doing better every day thanks to therapy, his grandparents' support and the amazing professionals working with him on his recovery."