Juvenile Arrested After 12-Year-Old Dies From School Attack

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa shielded her sister from bullying when she was struck in the head with a metal water bottle.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, dented metal water bottle against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the weapon used in a fatal school attack.A tragic symbol of the devastating consequences of unchecked bullying in schools.Los Angeles Today

A juvenile has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 12-year-old girl, Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa, died from injuries sustained when she was allegedly struck in the head with a metal water bottle while trying to protect her sister from bullying at their Los Angeles school. Khimberly underwent brain surgery but died on February 25, more than a week after the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked bullying in schools and the need for stronger policies and interventions to protect vulnerable students. The family has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District, alleging it failed to address prior bullying involving Khimberly's sister.

The details

According to police, on the afternoon of February 17, Khimberly was trying to shield her sister from a bullying incident when another student allegedly struck her in the head with a metal water bottle. Khimberly underwent brain surgery but died on February 25, more than a week after the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department has now confirmed that a juvenile has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Khimberly's death.

  • Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa was struck in the head with a metal water bottle on February 17, 2026.
  • Khimberly underwent brain surgery but died on February 25, 2026.

The players

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa

A 12-year-old girl who died after being struck in the head with a metal water bottle while trying to protect her sister from bullying at their Los Angeles school.

Los Angeles Unified School District

The school district that is being sued by Khimberly's family for allegedly failing to address prior bullying involving her sister.

Robert Glassman

The attorney representing Khimberly's family in their lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District.

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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. 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, Attorney

“On the afternoon of Feb. 17, Khimberly was trying to protect her sister. She stepped in when the school didn't. This tragedy really highlights and underscores the very real and very devastating consequences of unchecked bullying.”

— Robert Glassman, Attorney

What’s next

The juvenile arrested in connection with Khimberly's death will face a court hearing to determine if they will be charged as an adult.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case emphasizes the urgent need for schools to have robust anti-bullying policies, provide adequate support and intervention for victims, and hold perpetrators accountable to prevent such tragedies from occurring. Khimberly's death is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact unchecked bullying can have on young lives.