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Family Files Legal Claim Against LAUSD in Death of 12-Year-Old Reseda Student

Police are treating the case as a homicide, with the coroner deferring the cause of death pending further tests.

Overview

  • Parents filed a wrongful-death claim alleging LAUSD ignored repeated bullying reports and failed to protect 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta at Reseda Charter High School.
  • Attorneys presented hallway footage showing a student throwing a metal water bottle, which they say struck Khimberly as she intervened to help her sister.
  • The family reports she developed a brain bleed after the Feb. 17 altercation, underwent emergency surgery, and died on Feb. 25 at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital.
  • The claim cites inadequate supervision, obstructed sight lines, and insufficient discipline, and it seeks stronger anti-bullying enforcement and clearer reporting protocols districtwide.
  • LAUSD said it is cooperating with law enforcement and declined to comment on the pending claim.