This was decided in an agreement with prosecutors, according to her attorney's announcement on Tuesday, as reported by the Daily Press.
A grand jury in Newport News, Virginia formally charged Taylor, 25, on Monday following the incident wherein her six-year-old son shot his 25-year-old teacher, Abby Zwerner, in the chest during class on January 6 at Richneck Elementary School.
The first-grader had brought his mother's legally obtained Taurus 9mm handgun, which he had kept in his backpack, to school. Taylor claims the firearm was secured by a trigger lock and stored on the top shelf of a closet, and she doesn't know how her son accessed it.
WATCH: ASTRAZENECA SUED OVER VACCINE WOES
April 12, 2023
Taylor, who is accused of felony child neglect and recklessly leaving a firearm to endanger a child, will work "collaboratively" with prosecutors, as promised by her attorney, James Ellenson. Ellenson noted that Taylor has cooperated since the incident occurred and has no criminal record, expressing that she intends to remain cooperative.
Ellenson also said, "Most criminal prosecutions are adversarial in nature, but we will make our best efforts so that these proceedings will be more collaborative than most." If convicted, Taylor faces up to six years in prison.
Prosecutors recommend Taylor be released on a $5,000 bond with surety upon surrendering herself. This would mean that Taylor could remain free by paying only 10% of the full bond or $500 to a bail bondsman.Alternatively, she could post $5,000 in property to support her promise to return for future hearings. "This is a good first step towards a just resolution of the charges," said Ellenson, terming the bond amount "reasonable."
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
