Los Angeles police arrest 12-year-old in the death of a middle school student

Key Points:

• A 12-year-old juvenile has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of classmate Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa, who was struck in the head with a metal water bottle during an alleged bullying incident at Reseda Charter High School in Los Angeles.
• Khimberly was attacked on February 17 while trying to help her sister, was initially treated and released from Valley Presbyterian Hospital, but later underwent emergency brain surgery at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and died on February 25.
• The family alleges prolonged bullying and harassment of the sisters at school, with reported incidents ignored by school officials, and is pursuing accountability from the Los Angeles Unified School District for its failure to intervene.
• The family’s attorney emphasized that the arrest is a step toward accountability but called for a broader investigation into the school district’s knowledge and response to the bullying prior to the fatal attack.
• Separately, a 12-year-old girl named Jada West recently died in Georgia after collapsing following a fight near a school bus stop, highlighting ongoing concerns about school-related violence involving minors.