12-Year-Old Dies After Metal Bottle Attack at LA School

Family demands justice after student's death from alleged bullying incident

Feb. 28, 2026 at 6:03am

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A 12-year-old girl has died after being struck in the head with a metal water bottle during an apparent bullying incident at her Los Angeles high school. Khimberly Chuquita's family is mourning her loss and calling for accountability, as well as stronger measures to prevent bullying and protect students.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of bullying in schools and the devastating consequences it can have. It also raises questions about school safety protocols and the need for better intervention and support systems to protect vulnerable students.

The details

According to reports, Khimberly was attacked at Reseda Charter High School on February 17th. She was struck in the head with a metal water bottle and suffered severe brain bleeding. Despite multiple emergency surgeries and life support, Khimberly died from her injuries. Her family and friends are demanding justice for the student responsible, as well as any teachers or staff who failed to intervene.

  • On February 17, 2026, Khimberly was struck in the head with a metal water bottle at her school.
  • Khimberly was rushed to the hospital after the incident and died despite multiple emergency surgeries.

The players

Khimberly Chuquita

A 12-year-old student at Reseda Charter High School who died after being struck in the head with a metal water bottle during an apparent bullying incident.

Elma Chuquita

Khimberly's mother, who is mourning the loss of her daughter and demanding justice.

Dayari Diaz

One of Khimberly's close friends, who was devastated by her death.

Los Angeles Unified School District

The school district that oversees Reseda Charter High School, which has stated it is cooperating with the police investigation.

Los Angeles Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Khimberly's death as a homicide.

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What they’re saying

“I feel very bad, destroyed. It's not easy to lose a child. It's not easy to see your child dying in a bed.”

— Elma Chuquita, Khimberly's mother

“I was crying. All of her close friends, we were crying. She always cared about me and my friends.”

— Dayari Diaz, Khimberly's friend

“What is happening, there are many schools, and I am not the only mother fighting for justice for her child. I know the principal and teachers are also parents, and no one would want to lose a child in this way.”

— Elma Chuquita, Khimberly's mother

What’s next

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating Khimberly's death as a homicide, and the Los Angeles Unified School District has stated it is cooperating with the investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for schools to implement robust anti-bullying policies, provide better support and intervention for vulnerable students, and hold accountable any individuals who contribute to the harm of children in their care.