LAPD Officer Testifies in Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Teen's 2021 Shooting

Valentina Orellana-Peralta's family seeks $100 million in damages from the city and police department.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying the gritty aftermath of a police shooting incident.The tragic police shooting of a teenage girl has sparked outrage and calls for reform in the LAPD's use of force policies.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles police officer who fatally shot 14-year-old Valentina Orellana-Peralta in a 2021 incident at a North Hollywood store took the stand in a civil trial against the LAPD and the city. Orellana-Peralta's family is suing for wrongful death, claiming the officer used excessive force and the department failed to properly train and supervise him.

Why it matters

This case has sparked outrage over the use of deadly force by police and raised questions about de-escalation tactics, officer training, and accountability for law enforcement in situations involving civilians, especially minors.

The details

Officer William Doresy Jones, Jr. testified that he opened fire on a suspect who was assaulting shoppers with a bike lock, unaware that Orellana-Peralta was in a dressing room behind the suspect. One of Jones' rifle rounds pierced the wall and killed the teenager. The family's attorneys argue Jones ignored information that this was not an active shooter scenario and used excessive force.

  • The incident occurred on December 23, 2021.
  • The civil trial began on April 10, 2026.

The players

Officer William Doresy Jones, Jr.

The LAPD officer who fatally shot Valentina Orellana-Peralta during the 2021 incident at a North Hollywood store.

Valentina Orellana-Peralta

A 14-year-old girl who was killed by an LAPD officer's gunfire while in a dressing room with her mother.

Nick Rowley

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

Haythan Faraj

An attorney for the Orellana-Peralta family, who argues the officer ignored information that this was not an active shooter situation.

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What they’re saying

“You don't bring an AR-15 to a bike lock fight.”

— Nick Rowley, Family Attorney

“Based on the totality of everything, the information I gathered at the scene, I believed it could arise to the situation where deadly force may have to be used.”

— Officer William Doresy Jones, Jr.

“There was a senior officer on deck that said we have a suspect with shorts on the second floor with a bike lock. I mean... that was the information his own superior gave him. He chose to ignore that. He chose to ignore other cues, and that's why we're in the situation we're in.”

— Haythan Faraj, Family Attorney

What’s next

The civil trial is ongoing, and the jury will ultimately decide if the LAPD and the city are liable for Valentina Orellana-Peralta's death and the amount of damages the family will receive.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over police use of force, especially in situations involving civilians, and the need for improved training, de-escalation tactics, and accountability measures to prevent such tragedies.