Home / Crime and Justice / LAUSD sued after student dies from bullying attack
LAUSD sued after student dies from bullying attack
21 Apr
Summary
- Girl died after being hit with a water bottle during bullying.
- Family claims school ignored repeated bullying complaints.
- Lawsuit alleges district failed to ensure student safety.
A devastating tragedy has led to a wrongful death lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Khimberly, a 12-year-old student, died on February 25, 2026, after being struck in the head with a metal water bottle during a bullying incident at Reseda Charter High School on February 17, 2026.
Her family claims that school officials failed to address persistent bullying, despite numerous complaints made over more than a year. Khimberly's sister, Sharon, was also harassed by the same group of students. The family alleges that the school's inaction directly contributed to Khimberly's death.
The lawsuit, filed by the family's attorney, states that the district did not adequately document or investigate bullying reports, discipline perpetrators, or implement sufficient anti-bullying measures. A 12-year-old student was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Khimberly's death, but no charges have been filed yet.
LAUSD, one of the largest school districts in the U.S., states it cannot comment on pending litigation. However, a board member suggested that while bullying is a significant problem for affected families, it may not be a district-wide epidemic. Data shows reported incidents of fighting and aggression in LAUSD campuses, with trends in bullying historically declining nationwide and in California.
