LAUSD Facing Lawsuit Over Tragic Bullying Incident Involving 12-Year-Old Girl
Family of Reseda High School Student Files Lawsuit After Tragic Death
The family of Khimberly Zavaleta, a 12-year-old girl who tragically died following an on-campus altercation at Reseda High School, has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The legal action, initiated on Wednesday, centers on allegations that the district failed to adequately protect its students from bullying.
Khimberly lost her life after sustaining a brain injury last month, reportedly caused by a metal water bottle thrown by another student. According to her family, she intervened to defend her sister, Sharon, during what they described as a bullying incident.
During a news conference, family attorney Robert Glassman stated, “On the afternoon of Feb. 17, Khimberly was trying to protect her sister. She stepped in when the school didn’t. This tragedy really highlights and underscores the very real and very devastating consequences of unchecked bullying.” The family asserts that Sharon had previously been bullied without sufficient response from the school.
The incident left Khimberly with a brain bleed, resulting in her being placed in a medically induced coma for several days before she passed away at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital on February 25. The Zavaleta family has expressed frustration over the LAUSD’s lack of transparency regarding the circumstances leading to their daughter’s death, stating they have repeatedly sought more information.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed they are conducting a homicide investigation related to Khimberly’s death. However, officials have not disclosed whether any suspects have been identified. Amid their pursuit of justice, the Zavaleta family is calling for the district to implement more rigorous anti-bullying policies.
Glassman emphasized the need for accountability, saying, “School administrators cannot let giant fights just erupt in the middle of the campus and not do anything about it. That is totally inexcusable and that is unfortunately what happened in this case.” He also alleged that the group involved in the incident had a history of bullying other students prior to February 17.
Amidst this turmoil, a social media video of a separate bullying incident has surfaced, raising concerns that harassment may be a pervasive issue at Reseda High School.
As the legal battle ensues, Khimberly’s mother, Zavaleta Chuquipa, expressed her grief. "I can’t believe what I’m living through,” she said through an interpreter. “What we’ve gone through has been very painful, and we don’t want this to happen to any other students.” She remembered her daughter fondly as a "really lovely girl" with aspirations of becoming a doctor.
The LAUSD has opted not to comment on the lawsuit, citing a policy of not discussing pending litigation.
