Overview
- Los Angeles police say the Robbery-Homicide Division is investigating the death of Khimberly Zavaleta, 12, as a homicide.
- Relatives report she was struck in the head by a metal water bottle during a Feb. 17 altercation as she tried to protect her sister.
- Days later she suffered a brain hemorrhage, was placed in an induced coma, underwent emergency surgery, and died Wednesday at a hospital.
- Authorities have not publicly linked the school incident to her death and are withholding details because the case involves juveniles.
- LAUSD says it is cooperating with investigators and offering counseling as students hold protests and a GoFundMe surpasses $90,000.