RESEDA, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a homicide investigation into the death of 12-year-old Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa, a sixth-grade student who died Wednesday following what her family describes as a violent bullying incident at Reseda High School.
The preteen passed away at UCLA Children’s Hospital on Feb. 25, ten days after she was allegedly struck in the head with a metal water bottle by another student in a school hallway. The incident has sparked outrage among parents and raised critical questions regarding school safety and medical protocols for traumatic brain injuries in minors.
Timeline of the Incident and Medical Complications
According to family statements and initial reports from local affiliates NBC 4 and FOX 11, the physical altercation occurred in mid-February. Following the impact, Chuquipa reportedly suffered from persistent, severe headaches.
Her family sought emergency medical care shortly after the incident, but they allege the student was initially discharged and sent home. Her condition deteriorated rapidly days later when she collapsed due to a massive brain hemorrhage…