“I’m devastated. I’m full of pain, thinking about how I will never see my daughter again,” said Elma Chuquipa, mother of 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa.
A minor has been arrested for murder in connection with the death of Khimberly, who was reportedly struck in the head with a metal bottle at Reseda Charter High School on February 17. The incident occurred when Khimberly attempted to protect her sister from alleged bullying.
Khimberly was rushed to a hospital where doctors discovered severe bleeding in her brain. After days in a coma and multiple surgeries, she died in late February.
Elma Chuquipa revealed that Khimberly had been trying to intervene on behalf of her sister when the school did not take action against the bullying. The family filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District in March, alleging the district failed to protect students from bullying and ignored repeated concerns about their sister’s safety.
Robert Glassman, the family’s attorney, stated during a news conference: “On the afternoon of February 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.”
The Los Angeles Unified School District expressed deep sadness over the incident, stating it takes student safety seriously and is cooperating with law enforcement. However, the family claims that despite numerous attempts to obtain information about the incident, the district refused to share details.
Police confirmed a homicide investigation was underway following Khimberly’s death. Glassman added: “This arrest is an important step toward accountability, but it does not change the bigger truth: this tragedy was entirely preventable.”
