Lawsuit Filed Over Fatal LAPD Shooting of 14-Year-Old Girl

Valentina Orellana-Peralta was killed in a clothing store in 2021 during a police response to an attack.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:52am

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A wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed against the Los Angeles Police Department over the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Valentina Orellana-Peralta in a clothing store in 2021. Orellana-Peralta was shopping with her mother when she was struck by a stray bullet fired by an officer responding to a separate incident in the store. The lawsuit alleges the LAPD failed to properly train and supervise the officers involved.

Why it matters

This case has sparked outrage over the LAPD's use of force and raised questions about police accountability, particularly in incidents involving the deaths of innocent bystanders. It also highlights the ongoing debate around police tactics and the need for improved de-escalation training.

The details

On December 23, 2021, Valentina Orellana-Peralta, 14, was shopping for Christmas clothes with her mother at a Burlington store in North Hollywood when she was struck and killed by a stray bullet fired by an LAPD officer. Police were responding to calls about a man attacking two women in the store with a bike lock. As officers entered the store, Officer William Dorsey Jones Jr. fired his rifle three times, killing both the suspect and Orellana-Peralta, who was in a nearby dressing room.

  • The incident occurred on December 23, 2021.
  • The LAPD Police Commission ruled in 2022 that one of Jones' shots was justified, but the other two were out of policy.
  • The wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Orellana-Peralta's family is set to begin trial on April 8, 2026.

The players

Valentina Orellana-Peralta

A 14-year-old girl who was fatally shot by an LAPD officer while shopping with her mother in a clothing store.

Soledad Peralta

Valentina Orellana-Peralta's mother, who witnessed her daughter's death.

Officer William Dorsey Jones Jr.

The LAPD officer who fired the shots that killed both the suspect and Valentina Orellana-Peralta.

Nick Rowley

The attorney representing Valentina Orellana-Peralta's family in the wrongful-death lawsuit.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

The law enforcement agency being sued for the fatal shooting of Valentina Orellana-Peralta.

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What they’re saying

“Valentina had her entire life in front of her, and it was taken in an instant due to reckless decisions made by the very people who were sworn to protect her.”

— Nick Rowley, Attorney representing Orellana-Peralta family

“We intend to hold LAPD fully accountable for taking an innocent young woman's life.”

— Nick Rowley, Attorney representing Orellana-Peralta family

What’s next

The wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Valentina Orellana-Peralta's family is set to begin trial on April 8, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for improved police training, de-escalation tactics, and accountability measures to prevent innocent bystanders from being caught in the crossfire of law enforcement responses. It also underscores the ongoing debate around the use of force by police and the impact it can have on vulnerable members of the community.