NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Deja Taylor, the mother of the boy who police say shot his Richneck Elementary teacher Abby Zwerner on Jan. 6, was sentenced to five years in prison, with three years suspended, Friday for felony child neglect. She was also sentenced to two years of probation after serving her sentence.
Taylor was sentenced for a state charge of felony child neglect that she pleaded guilty to in August. The judge also said Taylor has to do substance abuse treatment, a psychological evaluation, and parenting classes.
When she entered her guilty plea, her attorney told us that the Commonwealth's Attorney agreed to not recommend a sentence longer than six months for Taylor. However, she faced a maximum of five years, and the judge did not have to follow the Commonwealth's Attorney's suggestion.
“I think there are guidelines for a reason and I think the guidelines were adequate in this case, and I just respectively disagree with the judge,” said Taylor's attorney James Ellenson. “I don’t think that took into account her being the victim of domestic abuse, her mental issues, and substance abuse."
She's already been sentenced to 21 months in prison and two years of probation on two federal charges: using illegal drugs while possessing a gun, and lying about her drug use when purchasing the gun. She also pleaded guilty to these charges.
WATCH: Mother of boy who shot teacher at Richneck Elem. sentenced to 21 months in prison, 2 years probation
The federal and state charges are in connection to the Richneck shooting, which happened earlier this year on Jan. 6. Police say Taylor's son shot Zwerner, his first-grade teacher, during class. Prosecutors say Taylor's gun was used in that shooting.
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Zwerner's legal team said she suffered physically and mentally after she was shot in the hand and chest. She's currently suing Newport News school officials.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
