No prosecution for 6-year-old boy who shot teacher in US

Newport Police NewsA police car at the elementary school shortly after the shooting incident

NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 04:53

The 6-year-old boy who shot his teacher at an elementary school in the US state of Virginia in early January will not be prosecuted. State prosecutor Howard Gwynn tells American media that he does not intend to press charges against the boy in the case.

The prospect of a 6-year-old going on trial is “problematic,” Gwynn told NBC News. According to him, a child of that age is not able to understand the legal system. Gwynn does not rule out that others will have to stand trial. “Once we have studied all the facts, we will charge anyone we believe has committed a crime.”

Earlier, lawyers argued that the boy’s mother may be held liable for the crime. The gun he used to shoot his teacher belonged to her. She had it legally in her possession, but could be sued if it turns out she didn’t keep the gun safe at home. A lawyer for the family told CNN that the firearm was on the top shelf of a closet, but it was secured with a lock.

Warnings ignored

In the shooting incident, the 25-year-old teacher was seriously injured in her hand and upper body. She was in the hospital for almost two weeks, but is now back home.

She has sued the primary school board because the school was warned three times shortly before the incident that the student had a firearm with him. Nevertheless, the school management decided to wait and see the situation, because the school was almost out. The principal of the school has since been fired.

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