Minor arrested in connection with death of 12-year-old LA student hit by metal water bottle

A minor has been arrested in connection with the death of a 12-year-old Los Angeles charter school student who was hit by a metal water bottle, according to news reports.

The suspect's age and gender have not been disclosed, but the minor was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Khimberly Zavaleta Chuquipa, according to an LAPD spokesperson, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday.

Chuquipa, who attended Reseda Charter High School, was injured on campus by another 12-year-old student when she tried to intervene and defend her older sister, Sharon, from bullies on Feb. 17, according to her family. In the fight, Chuquipa was struck on the head with a metal water bottle, causing severe injuries.

Chuquipa was immediately taken to Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys after the fight, evaluated, and then sent home. Three days later, she suffered a “catastrophic medical emergency” and had brain surgery at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, according to family members. Chuquipa was placed in a medically induced coma and died on Feb. 25.

The LAPD is investigating Chuquipa's death as a possible homicide.

“As the baby of our family, she brought a special light and joy into our lives,” her family wrote on a GoFundMe page created to help pay for the funeral and medical expenses. “She loved her family, music, volleyball, walks with her two beloved dogs, and had many dreams for the future.”

Chuquipa's family last month took legal action against the Los Angeles Unified School District, alleging that school officials failed to investigate reports of bullying, adequately supervise student interactions, or implement effective safety measures.

Her family alleged in a wrongful-death claim that the district failed to take action after her mother, Elma Chuquipa Sanchez, reported that both her daughters were repeated victims of bullying on campus.

Robert Glassman, a lawyer representing Chuquipa's family, said the same group of students had bullied other kids and attacked another female student in the weeks leading up to the water bottle attack.

The district referred the Times' request for comment on the arrest to the LAPD. A district spokesperson previously declined to comment on ongoing litigation.