LAPD Officer Shares Insights in Civil Case About 2021 Burlington Store Shooting That Took a Teen’s Life

Testimony Begins in Civil Trial Over 2021 Shooting Death of Teen

Testimony commenced Thursday in a civil trial concerning the tragic shooting death of 14-year-old Valentina Peralta, who was killed inside a Burlington store dressing room in North Hollywood after an LAPD officer discharged his weapon during a confrontation with an attacker. Peralta had been shopping for clothes with her mother when a bullet ricocheted off the floor, fatally striking her.

LAPD Officer Jones took the stand in the afternoon, focusing his testimony on his training and the assault rifle he used during the incident in December 2021. He was among the officers who responded to the scene following an attack in which a man assaulted two women with a bike lock inside the store. During this response, Officer Jones fired three rounds from his rifle.

While his shots killed the assailant, one bullet ricocheted and penetrated the changing room, resulting in Valentina Peralta’s death. In the wake of the incident, Peralta’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking over $100 million in damages.

The family’s attorney engaged Jones in questioning about his weapon experience, emphasizing his training and practice with the firearm. Earlier, Attorney General Rob Bonta had announced that no criminal charges would be brought against Jones, citing evidence that indicated the officer acted in self-defense or in defense of others during the incident.

Officer Jones’s testimony is set to continue on Monday.