Homicide investigation underway in L.A. after girl dies in alleged bullying incident

A 12-year-old girl’s death has triggered a homicide investigation in Los Angeles, following an alleged bullying incident at Reseda High School, NBC Los Angeles confirmed Friday. The tragedy occurred when the child attempted to shield her sister from harm, according to Khimberly Zavaleta’s family. They reported that the girl suffered a brain injury after being struck in the head with a metal water bottle thrown by another student.

The girl died at a hospital early Wednesday morning, her mother shared with NBCLA. “I’m devastated. I’m full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again,” Elma Chuquipa, Khimberly’s mother, said in Spanish.

“We’re all sad. Because she was the one who gave all the energy to us, because she was so happy. She was always happy. She was always smiling,” said Dayari Diaz, Khimberly’s friend who organized the protest with help from her mother.

Students at Reseda High School staged a demonstration on Friday to honor Khimberly. “We want justice for her,” Dayari, also a student at the school, added.

Following the tragic event, the LA Unified School District expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating they were “deeply saddened by the death of a Reseda High School student.” The district mentioned that while specific details are under confidentiality, they are “committed to providing support to students, staff, and families impacted by this loss, including counseling and additional campus resources.”

Helen Jeong is a reporter for NBC Los Angeles. Keenan Willard