A juvenile has been arrested in connection with the death of 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta, who died following a school fight at Reseda Charter High School in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the arrest on Thursday, stating that the suspect is a minor. No further details about the suspect have been released.
The incident occurred last month when Khimberly was reportedly trying to protect her older sister from bullies. During the altercation, she was struck in the head with a metal water bottle, which led to severe injuries. Khimberly was initially treated at Valley Presbyterian Hospital and later underwent brain surgery at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. Despite medical efforts, she died on February 25 after being in a medically induced coma.
Khimberly’s family has filed a legal claim against LAUSD, alleging that the district failed to address ongoing bullying issues. According to the family, Khimberly had stepped in to defend her sister when the school did not. Her mother, Elma Chuquipa Sanchez, expressed her grief, saying, “I’m devastated. I’m full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again,” as reported by NBC Los Angeles.
The family’s attorney, Robert Glassman, emphasized the consequences of unchecked bullying, stating, “This tragedy really highlights and underscores the very real and very devastating consequences of unchecked bullying,” according to the Los Angeles Times. The LAUSD has not commented on the ongoing litigation.
The case is being investigated as a homicide, and the family continues to seek answers regarding the events leading to Khimberly’s death. The community has rallied around the family, with a GoFundMe page set up to help cover funeral and medical expenses.
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