Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Khimberly Zavaleta Highlights Need for More School Security

LAUSD school board faces backlash after cutting funding for school police force

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:06am

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The tragic death of 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta at the hands of bullies at Reseda High School has sparked outrage and calls for the LAUSD school board to do more to protect students. Video evidence shows Khimberly being struck in the head with a metal water bottle as other students cheered on the attack. Her family plans to sue the district, which has faced pressure from activists to defund its school police force, leading to a 90% budget cut and the loss of 133 positions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the consequences of the LAUSD school board's decision to significantly reduce funding for the school police force, despite the majority of parents, students, and staff supporting the presence of police on campus. The lack of security personnel to protect students from bullying and violence has now tragically resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl, raising serious questions about the board's priorities and the safety of children in LAUSD schools.

The details

Video evidence appears to show the moment that a bully struck Khimberly Zavaleta, a 12-year-old student at Reseda High School, in the head with a metal water bottle as students walked across the campus. A voice behind the camera is heard shouting encouragement: 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' Khimberly's mother told reporters that the girl had been defending her older sister when she was attacked. No adults or school police officers are visible in the video. The family plans to sue the district, which has faced pressure from activists to defund its school police force, leading to a 90% budget cut and the loss of 133 positions.

  • The incident occurred on the Reseda High School campus.
  • Khimberly Zavaleta died several days after the altercation.

The players

Khimberly Zavaleta

A 12-year-old student at Reseda High School who died after being attacked by bullies on campus.

LAUSD

The Los Angeles Unified School District, which oversees Reseda High School and has faced criticism for cutting funding to its school police force.

Monica Garcia

An LAUSD school board member who sided with activists calling for the defunding of the school police department.

Nick Melvoin

An LAUSD school board member who supported the motion to cut 90% of the school police department's budget, citing a desire to stop "systemic racism."

United Teachers Los Angeles

The union representing LAUSD teachers, which backed the activists' calls to defund the school police department.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.