A minor was arrested Thursday on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of a 12-year-old girl who died after being hit in the head with a metal water bottle in an alleged bullying incident at Reseda Charter High School, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson confirmed.
Khimberly Zavaleta was hit in the head on Feb. 17 in a campus hallway after she tried to step in and defend her sister, who was being bullied by other students, relatives said.
Days after being treated at a hospital and sent home, she collapsed and was rushed to UCLA’s Children’s Hospital. She was placed in an induced coma and underwent emergency brain surgery, the family said, but she later died.
“As the baby of our family, she brought a special light and joy into our lives. She loved her family, music, volleyball, walks with her two beloved dogs, and had many dreams for the future,” relatives said on a GoFundMe campaign looking to raise $200,000 to help pay for medical and burial expenses.
“Her passing has left our family in unimaginable pain. No parents should ever have to endure the loss of their youngest child.”
Other details about the arrest Thursday were not immediately available.