Los Angeles police have opened a homicide investigation after a 12-year-old girl died following an alleged bullying incident at Reseda High School. Family members say the girl was struck in the head with a metal water bottle as she tried to protect her sister.
What investigators and family say
According to NBC Los Angeles, the girl's family identified her as 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta and said another student threw a metal water bottle that hit her in the head. The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a homicide investigation as detectives work to determine what led up to the injury and how the confrontation unfolded.
Family and medical details
Khimberly's mother, Elma Chuquipa, told NBC Los Angeles she is "devastated" and "full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again." A family fundraiser says Khimberly spent days in a coma after suffering a brain injury, underwent emergency surgery and later died early Wednesday. The GoFundMe page includes messages from relatives and a timeline of her care.
Students protest and district response
A group of students staged a protest at Reseda High School on Friday in support of Khimberly, voicing anger and fear about campus safety. The demonstration was organized by a student named Dayari Diaz, who told local media the school "is not doing anything." The Los Angeles Unified School District said it was "deeply saddened by the death of a Reseda High School student" and that the district would provide support to students, staff and families. The district lists counseling and wellness resources for families on its website through its Los Angeles Unified School District Student and Family Wellness services.
Investigation next steps
Detectives say the probe is ongoing as authorities collect witness accounts and review any available video or school records. Officials have not announced any arrests or charges and said they will provide updates when more information is confirmed.
