A 12-year-old individual has been taken into custody in relation to the passing of a schoolgirl who was struck in the head with a metal water bottle during an alleged bullying incident.
Khimberly Zavaleta, also 12, tragically lost her life after a severe assault with a metal water bottle purportedly carried out by school bullies, as stated by her family. Khimberly intervened to protect her sister from the bullying, resulting in her getting hit in the head with the bottle.
Following the altercation on February 17, the young girl, hailing from California, was initially treated at Valley Presbyterian Hospital and released on the same day. Subsequently, she was transferred to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital after three days, where she underwent emergency brain surgery to address a hemorrhage.
Her uncle later revealed that she suffered a stroke after experiencing persistent headaches following the assault. Khimberly sadly passed away on February 25.
The details regarding the age and gender of the child who was arrested on suspicion of murder were not disclosed by Los Angeles Police Officer Charles Miller on Thursday.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, responsible for pressing charges, confirmed on Friday that the case is under investigation. Due to both the victim and the suspect being minors, Miller stated that no further information could be disclosed.
Robert Glassman, the family’s legal representative, emphasized that while the arrest is a crucial step towards accountability, it does not equate to justice or address the underlying issue of how such a tragedy could have occurred. The family is considering legal action against Valley Presbyterian Hospital and is primarily focused on supporting one another and holding the Los Angeles Unified School District accountable for their lack of intervention prior to the fatal incident.
The sisters had reportedly faced bullying, harassment, and physical assaults at school for an extended period, with their mother reporting the incidents to school authorities without effective intervention.
Glassman stressed the importance of investigating the knowledge and actions of the adults in charge, urging a thorough examination of why substantive measures were not taken sooner.
A representative for LAUSD declined to comment on current or pending legal matters.
Support for the family can be extended by donating to their GoFundMe page.
