John Adoyi, PBA Journalism Mentee
A 6-year-old boy who shot his teacher in the state of Virginia, United States would not be facing charges on the ground that he is too young to understand the legal system, a US prosecutor says.
Prime Business Africa earlier reported that the US Police said the incident which happened on January 6 at Richneck primary School in Newport News in Virginia resulted from an “altercation” between the student and his teacher.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe teacher, Abby Zwerner, 25 was teaching in her class when she was shot and injured.
She stayed in the hospital for 2 weeks before she was discharged to continue recovery at home.
Her lawyer has filed a legal complaint against the school.
However, Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney, Howard Gwynn, said that his office would not charge the boy.
He told NBC news that the “prospect that a six-year-old can stand trial is problematic” because the child is too young to understand the legal system and what a charge means.
“Our objective is not just to do something as quickly as possible,” Mr Gwynn added.
He did not say if anybody is being investigated over the issue but said “Once we analyse all the facts, we will charge any person or persons that we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt committed a crime.”
The family of the boy earlier released a statement after the incident saying that the boy is suffering “acute disability” and was under a care plan “that included his mother or father attending school with him and accompanying him to class every day.”
They added that the week the shooting took place is the only time no parent was with him in school.
According to reports, the boy used his mother’s legally purchased 9mm handgun to carry out the attack.
The lawyer for the family also told reporters that the gun was securely put away in a safe that was properly locked.
