Attorneys for Elena Perez, the mother of a 15-year-old girl who died from a fentanyl overdose in 2022, claim there was a “culture of complacency” at Bernstein High School in Los Angeles. They argue that the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) should not have its dismissal motion granted, as there are triable issues regarding the school’s responsibility in preventing the tragedy. According to City News Service, the coroner’s report confirmed that Melanie Ramos died from an accidental overdose on September 13, 2022.
In their defense, LAUSD lawyers contend that Melanie’s death was unforeseeable and that the district was not obligated to monitor bathroom stalls for drug use. They argue that constant monitoring of potential hiding spots is impractical and would not prevent future overdoses. However, Perez’s attorneys maintain that school officials were aware of drug use on campus and failed to act, citing three medical emergencies related to drugs that occurred six months before Melanie’s death.
Following the incident, the district announced that all campuses would be equipped with Narcan, an anti-overdose medication. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 10, known as Melanie’s Law, requiring public schools to train employees on opioid prevention and response, and to raise awareness about fentanyl dangers.
The lawsuit, filed in December 2022, accuses the district of negligence and wrongful death. A hearing on the district’s motion to dismiss the case is scheduled for June 18, 2025.
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