Authorities are looking into the heartbreaking death of a 12-year-old girl in Los Angeles, labeling the incident as a homicide after a bully threw a metal water bottle at her.
The girl, identified as Kimberly Zabaleta, was reportedly assaulted in a hallway at Reseda High School last week, as shared by her family. Initially, she was treated in the emergency room before being allowed to go home.
Shortly after, Kimberly collapsed due to a brain hemorrhage. Reports state that a blood vessel in her brain ruptured, leading to urgent care at UCLA Children’s Hospital where she fell into a coma and required emergency brain surgery.
During this tragic time, her family remained hopeful, praying for her recovery. Unfortunately, at around 3:30 a.m., Kimberly’s heart stopped.
The Los Angeles Police Department is treating the incident as a homicide. It’s said that Kimberly was trying to defend her sister from the alleged bully when the incident occurred.
Kimberly’s mother, Elma Chuquipa, expressed her anguish, stating, “I am devastated. I am filled with pain knowing I will never see my daughter again.”
Students at the school held a demonstration last Friday to honor their late classmate, leaving flowers and voicing their outrage about the attack. One friend remarked, “We want justice for her. The school isn’t doing anything.”
The Los Angeles Unified School District expressed its sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to Kimberly’s family and friends. They added that, out of respect for the family, they could not disclose further details.
Kimberly was described by her loved ones as the “baby of our family,” who infused their lives with joy. She had aspirations, enjoyed family time, music, volleyball, and walking her two dogs. The family reflected on the profound pain caused by her loss, emphasizing that “parents should never have to endure the loss of their youngest child.”
