Los Angeles, California – The California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that a Los Angeles Police Department officer will not face criminal charges in connection to the deadly shooting of Valentina Orellana-Peralta, a 14-year-old girl who was killed at a North Hollywood Burlington store in December 2021.
Valentina was trying on holiday dresses with her mother when she was struck by a bullet fired by the officer at an assault suspect. The bullet ricocheted off the floor, piercing through a wall and hitting the teen, tragically ending her life.
After an investigation led by the California Attorney General’s office, officials concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support criminal prosecution of the officer. The report released by Bonta’s office stated that the officer acted with the intent to defend himself and others from what appeared to be imminent death or serious bodily harm.
The incident unfolded when a 24-year-old suspect armed with a metal bike lock entered the store, leading to a confrontation with law enforcement. Body camera footage released by the LAPD showed the suspect assaulting a woman with the bike lock before officers intervened and fired shots.
Despite calls for de-escalation tactics, the situation escalated to gunfire, resulting in the suspect’s injuries and subsequent death. The investigation also revealed that Valentina was found after the shooting as officers searched for additional attackers, highlighting the chaotic nature of the event.
Following the tragedy, the Los Angeles Police Commission ruled that the officer had violated department policy in the shooting. While the first shot was deemed within policy, subsequent rounds were deemed unjustified, reflecting a failure to accurately assess the threat posed by the suspect.
In response to the incident, recommendations were made to enhance communication and response protocols in similar high-stress scenarios to prevent future tragedies. Valentina’s untimely death sparked a lawsuit by her family against the city, seeking justice for their loss.
The community mourned the loss of Valentina, a student at High Tech Los Angeles Charter School, who had recently excelled in her math and physics exams. The tragic outcome of the incident underscores the complexities and challenges of law enforcement operations, demonstrating the need for continued efforts to ensure public safety and accountability in such circumstances.