12-Year-Old Reseda Student Dies After Alleged Bullying Incident

Police investigating the death as a homicide after the student was struck in the head by a metal water bottle

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 12-year-old student at Reseda Charter High School in Los Angeles has died after being struck in the head by a metal water bottle during an alleged bullying incident. The student, Khimberly Zavaleta, went to defend her sister who was being bullied by other students when she was hit. Zavaleta suffered a 'catastrophic medical emergency' and died eight days later. The Los Angeles Police Department is now investigating her death as a homicide.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of bullying in schools and the potential for serious harm, even death, that can result. 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 police, Khimberly Zavaleta was struck in the head by a metal water bottle while defending her sister from bullies in a hallway at Reseda Charter High School on February 17th. Zavaleta suffered severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where she was placed in an induced coma and underwent emergency surgery. She died on March 1st when her heart gave out. The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division is now investigating her death as a homicide, though they have declined to release further details due to the sensitive nature of the case and the involvement of juveniles.

  • The incident occurred on February 17, 2026.
  • Khimberly Zavaleta died on March 1, 2026 at 3:30 am.

The players

Khimberly Zavaleta

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

Jeffrey Lee

A Los Angeles Police Department spokesman.

Los Angeles Unified School District

The school district that Reseda Charter High School is a part of, which is cooperating with the police investigation.

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What’s next

The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division will continue its investigation into Khimberly Zavaleta's death, which is now being treated as a homicide. The school district has also pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide support to the affected students, staff, and families.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for schools to have robust anti-bullying policies, intervention programs, and mental health resources to protect vulnerable students. It also highlights the devastating consequences that bullying can have and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for all students.