Child Arrested After 12-Year-Old Girl Dies Protecting Sister from Alleged Bullying

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa's family files lawsuit against school district for failing to address prior bullying incidents

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and dented metal water bottle, its surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conveying a sense of violence and tragedy without depicting any actual harm.A damaged metal water bottle serves as a somber reminder of the deadly consequences of unchecked bullying in schools.Los Angeles Today

A juvenile has been arrested for alleged murder following the death of 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa in Los Angeles. Chuquipa's family claims she was protecting her sister from bullying when she was struck in the head by a metal water bottle, leading to her death after brain surgery. The family has filed a lawsuit against the school district, alleging a failure to address prior bullying incidents.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked bullying in schools and the importance of schools taking proactive measures to protect students from harm. The family's lawsuit against the school district raises questions about accountability and the systemic failures that may have contributed to Chuquipa's death.

The details

According to reports, the incident occurred on February 17th at a school in Los Angeles. Chuquipa's family claims she was trying to protect her sister from bullying when another student allegedly struck her in the head with a metal water bottle. Chuquipa underwent brain surgery but died in the hospital on February 25th. The Los Angeles Police Department has since arrested a juvenile suspect for alleged murder in connection with Chuquipa's death.

  • On February 17th, the incident occurred at a school in Los Angeles.
  • Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa underwent brain surgery following the incident.
  • Chuquipa died in the hospital on February 25th.
  • On April 2nd, a juvenile was arrested for alleged murder in connection with Chuquipa's death.
  • In March, Chuquipa's family filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The players

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa

A 12-year-old girl who died after being struck in the head by a metal water bottle while trying to protect her sister from bullying.

Chuquipa's Family

The family of Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa, who have filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District alleging a failure to address prior bullying incidents.

Robert Glassman

The attorney representing Chuquipa's family in their lawsuit against the school district.

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

The school district that is being sued by Chuquipa's family for allegedly failing to address prior bullying incidents.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

The law enforcement agency that has arrested a juvenile suspect for alleged murder in connection with Chuquipa'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, Attorney representing Chuquipa's family

“Schools have a legal duty to protect the children in their care, and when there are warning signs of escalating violence, intervention is not optional—it's required. This tragedy demands a full and transparent investigation, not just into the individuals involved, but into the systems that failed this child.”

— Robert Glassman, Attorney representing Chuquipa's family

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the juvenile suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for schools to take proactive measures to address bullying and protect vulnerable students, as well as the importance of accountability and transparency when such incidents occur.