A child has been arrested in relation to the tragic death of 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa, who passed away after being struck in the head with a metal water bottle during an alleged bullying attack at her school. Khimberly was trying to protect her younger sister during a confrontation at her school in Reseda, California, when the fatal incident occurred on February 17, 2024.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa was involved in a hallway altercation at school when she stepped in to defend her younger sister. During the argument, she was struck on the head with a metal water bottle, which caused a brain hemorrhage.
After the attack, Khimberly slipped into a coma and was rushed to the hospital. Despite efforts to save her, she tragically died on February 25, 2024, at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital.
Following the incident, Khimberly’s family filed a wrongful-death claim against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). They allege that school officials were aware of the ongoing bullying but failed to intervene, creating a dangerous environment that led to Khimberly’s death. Video footage of the confrontation showed students pushing and arguing moments before the fatal blow, and the footage has become a key part of the family’s case.
The Arrest and Investigation
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the arrest of an unidentified child on suspicion of murder. While the arrested child has not been publicly identified due to their age, the arrest marks an important step in the ongoing homicide investigation.
Attorney Robert Glassman, representing the family, emphasized that while the arrest is a step toward justice, the incident could have been prevented. “This tragedy was entirely preventable,” he said in a statement obtained by CBS News.
The School District’s Response
The LAUSD has not yet commented on the wrongful-death claim or the specifics of the incident. However, the family’s legal team asserts that school officials failed to take necessary action despite being aware of bullying issues at the school.
Khimberly’s Final Moments
After the attack, Khimberly was initially evaluated at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, where she was later released. However, just three days later, she collapsed at home, leading to the discovery of the severe brain hemorrhage. Despite emergency brain surgery and being placed in a coma, Khimberly passed away from her injuries.
Her mother, Elma Chuquipa, shared her devastation in an interview, stating, “I’m devastated. I’m full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again.”
Impact on the Community
This tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns about bullying, student safety, and school district accountability. The family’s fight for justice continues as they seek answers and accountability for the loss of Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa.
