Crime

After standing up to bullies bullying her elder sister at charter high school, a 12-year-old was struck with a metal water bottle and died, according to her family.

by Clarke
Published On:
After standing up to bullies bullying her elder sister at charter high school, a 12-year-old was struck with a metal water bottle and died, according to her family.

Khimberly Zavaleta, a 12-year-old student at Reseda Charter High School (grades 6-8) in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, died in late February 2026 after a hallway altercation on February 17. Family says she was struck in the head with a metal water bottle while defending her older sister from bullies; LAPD is investigating it as a homicide by another 12-year-old suspect, but details are limited due to juvenile involvement.

The Altercation

  • During dismissal, a tall boy bullied Khimberly’s sister, pushing her despite her suggestion to see the principal.
  • Khimberly intervened to pull her sister away, getting hit hard on the head (video captured pulling but not the bottle).
  • She was hospitalized briefly, sent home, then suffered headaches while gaming on February 19.

Medical Decline and Death

  • Brain blood vessels ruptured, causing a stroke; rushed to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, induced coma, emergency surgery considered but brain deemed unviable.
  • Heart failed around 3:30 a.m. on February 20, with family present.

Investigation and Response

  • LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division (Valley Bureau) leads; no further info released.
  • LA Unified School District cooperates, offers counseling, expresses sorrow.
  • Students protested February 27 for justice; GoFundMe aids funeral, medical bills, relocation for siblings.

Khimberly loved family, music, volleyball, dogs, and dreamed big as the family baby. This school bullying tragedy stands out amid your recent shares—unlike family attacks, it involves kids and delayed fatal injury. What’s drawing you to these violent crime stories?

SOURCE

Clarke

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