Attorney questions LAPD officer involved in the shooting of 14-year-old girl at Burlington store

Civil Trial Continues in Death of Valentina Orellana-Peralta

The civil trial concerning the tragic death of 14-year-old Valentina Orellana-Peralta resumed Monday in Los Angeles, bringing to the forefront the actions of Officer William Jones, who is central to the case. The incident occurred on December 23, 2021, at a Burlington store in North Hollywood, where Officer Jones discharged his weapon in an attempt to subdue an assault suspect. Unfortunately, one of the bullets penetrated the store’s walls and struck Orellana-Peralta in a dressing room.

During his testimony, Officer Jones explained his presence at the scene, having responded to a report of an assault in progress. He entered the store armed with his patrol rifle after a man attacked two women with a bike lock.

When questioned by the family’s attorney, Haytham Faraj, about whether he felt overwhelmed when using his firearm for the first time in a real-life situation, Jones firmly replied, "absolutely not." He emphasized, "That’s the last thing I want to do."

Jones accepted responsibility for every shot fired from his weapon, acknowledging, "yes," when asked if he held accountability for every trigger pull.

Faraj clarified that the intent of his questioning was not to accuse Officer Jones of deliberately harming the girl but to highlight negligence in his duties as a police officer.

The officer’s testimony was interrupted to accommodate another witness due to scheduling conflicts. Once that expert on the use of force concludes their statements, Jones will continue his testimony.

Orellana-Peralta’s family has filed a civil lawsuit seeking $100 million against the city of Los Angeles and the LAPD. This legal action follows California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s decision not to pursue criminal charges against Officer Jones, labeling the incident as one where Orellana-Peralta was "at the wrong place at the wrong time." The family’s spokesperson, Sennett Devermont, noted that this outcome left the family feeling "crushed," expressing concerns over a lack of oversight and accountability.

The trial unfolds amid heightened scrutiny as the city grapples with a budget overspending gap exceeding $208 million, a situation exacerbated by legal settlements.