Minor arrested in death of 12-year-old L.A. student hit by water bottle

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa died after being struck in the head during an alleged bullying incident at Reseda Charter High School.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metal water bottle against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the weapon used in a tragic school incident.A recent wave of targeted school violence exposes the urgent need for comprehensive anti-bullying policies and safety measures.Los Angeles Today

A juvenile has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the case of a 12-year-old Reseda girl who died after she was hit in the head with a metal water bottle during an alleged bullying incident at Reseda Charter High School. Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa suffered severe injuries and died on February 25 after undergoing brain surgery.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about bullying and school safety, as well as the need for schools to have effective policies and procedures in place to prevent and address such incidents. The family's legal action against the Los Angeles Unified School District alleges a failure to investigate reports of bullying and implement adequate safety measures.

The details

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the suspect, whose age and gender have not been disclosed, was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa. Khimberly was injured on campus on February 17 when she tried to intervene and defend her young sisters from bullies. In the ensuing fight, she was struck on the head with a metal water bottle, causing severe injuries. Khimberly was taken to the hospital, evaluated, and sent home, but three days later, she suffered a 'catastrophic medical emergency' and underwent brain surgery at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital. She was placed in a medically induced coma and died on February 25.

  • Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa was injured on February 17, 2026.
  • Khimberly underwent brain surgery at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital on February 20, 2026.
  • Khimberly died on February 25, 2026.

The players

Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa

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

Los Angeles Unified School District

The school district that is facing a wrongful death claim from Khimberly's family, alleging a failure to investigate reports of bullying and implement effective safety measures.

Robert Glassman

An attorney representing Khimberly's family in the wrongful death claim against the Los Angeles Unified School District.

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What’s next

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

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for schools to have robust anti-bullying policies, effective student supervision, and comprehensive safety measures in place to protect vulnerable students. The family's legal action against the school district underscores the consequences of failing to address bullying and ensure a safe learning environment.