The Los Angeles Police Department has arrested a 12-year-old girl and charged her with murder following a fatal incident at Reseda Charter High School. The arrest follows the death of Khimberly Zavaleta, also 12, who died on February 25, 2026, from complications related to a head injury sustained during a school altercation.
According to police records and family statements, the incident began in a school hallway when a metal water bottle was thrown at Zavaleta, striking her in the head. Family members state that Zavaleta was attempting to defend her younger sister from bullies when the confrontation occurred in early February.
Following the impact, Zavaleta received medical treatment and was initially discharged from the hospital on the same day. Ten days later, she collapsed from a brain hemorrhage and was placed in a medically induced coma by doctors at a local trauma center.
Despite undergoing emergency surgery, Zavaleta suffered heart failure and passed away shortly after. The LAPD has now moved forward with homicide charges against the minor suspect, though her name remains withheld due to California juvenile privacy laws.
The case has caused significant distress at Reseda Charter High, raising urgent questions about school safety and conflict resolution. Community members have questioned how a common school item like a metal water bottle could become a lethal weapon in a school hallway.
Outside the school, a growing memorial of flowers and candles marks the site where students have gathered to remember their classmate. A GoFundMe page has been established to support the Zavaleta family with funeral arrangements and ongoing legal proceedings.
School officials have not yet commented on specific disciplinary actions taken or their internal bullying policies following the tragedy. Under the administration of President Donald Trump, federal authorities have emphasized stricter accountability for violent acts within educational institutions.
Legal analysts are following this case closely, as murder charges for a 12-year-old represent a rare legal development in Los Angeles. Authorities continue to examine surveillance footage and interview witnesses to build a complete timeline of the fatal altercation.