12-Year-Old Arrested in Death of Classmate Hit by Metal Water Bottle

The juvenile was arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa, who was struck in the head during an alleged bullying incident at a Los Angeles school.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered metal water bottle, its jagged edges and dents illuminated by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the violence and trauma of the tragic incident.A violent act of bullying with a metal water bottle exposes systemic failures to protect vulnerable students.Los Angeles Today

A 12-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of a classmate who was hit in the head with a metal water bottle during an alleged bullying incident at a Los Angeles school. The victim, 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa, died on February 25 after being struck in the head on February 17 while trying to help her older sister, who was being bullied.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of bullying in schools and the need for more effective intervention and prevention measures. The family has also raised questions about the school's response to previous reports of bullying against the sisters.

The details

According to authorities, the 12-year-old juvenile was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of murder in connection with Khimberly's death. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is investigating the case. Khimberly was struck in the head with a metal water bottle on February 17 while trying to help her older sister, who was being bullied by a group of students. She was initially evaluated and released from the hospital, but later died on February 25 after undergoing emergency brain surgery.

  • On February 17, Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa was struck in the head with a metal water bottle during a bullying incident at Reseda Charter High School.
  • Khimberly was taken to Valley Presbyterian Hospital on February 17, where she was evaluated and released the same day.
  • On February 20, Khimberly was taken to UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, where she was placed in an induced coma and underwent emergency brain surgery.
  • Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa died on February 25.

The players

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa

A 12-year-old student at Reseda Charter High School who died on February 25 after being struck in the head with a metal water bottle during a bullying incident at the school.

Sharon Zavaleta

Khimberly's older sister, who was being bullied by a group of students at Reseda Charter High School when the incident occurred.

Robert Glassman

The family's attorney, who stated that the family has not ruled out taking legal action against Valley Presbyterian Hospital and is focused on holding the Los Angeles Unified School District accountable for its failure to intervene in the bullying incidents.

Los Angeles Unified School District

The school district that oversees Reseda Charter High School, which the family claims failed to intervene in the bullying incidents against the sisters despite being informed of the incidents.

12-year-old juvenile

The suspect who was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Khimberly's death.

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What they’re saying

“This arrest is an important step toward accountability, but an arrest alone does not equal justice and does not answer the larger question of how this was allowed to happen in the first place.”

— Robert Glassman, Family's attorney

“The focus cannot stop with one student — there must be a hard look at what the adults in charge knew, when they knew it, and why meaningful action wasn't taken sooner.”

— Robert Glassman, Family's attorney

What’s next

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office will be responsible for filing charges against the 12-year-old suspect. The family's attorney has stated that they have not ruled out taking legal action against Valley Presbyterian Hospital, and they are focused on holding the Los Angeles Unified School District accountable for its failure to intervene in the bullying incidents.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for more effective anti-bullying policies and interventions in schools, as well as greater accountability for school administrators who fail to address known instances of bullying. The loss of a young life due to a preventable act of violence is a devastating reminder of the consequences of inaction and the importance of prioritizing student safety and well-being.