Los Angeles, California – The California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, announced that no criminal charges will be pursued against the Los Angeles Police Department officer involved in the tragic shooting of 14-year-old Valentina Orellana-Peralta inside a North Hollywood Burlington store in December 2021. The incident occurred when the officer fired a round at an assault suspect, with the bullet ricocheting and striking Valentina as she tried on holiday dresses in a changing room with her mother.
In a final report released by Bonta, it was stated that the investigation found insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officer. The report highlighted the challenging nature of the case, acknowledging the loss of two lives and expressing condolences to Valentina’s family.
The shooting took place as police responded to reports of an assault suspect armed with a metal bike lock inside the store. The body-camera footage released by the LAPD showed the suspect attacking a woman before being shot by officers. The video also captured the moments leading to the fatal incident that took Valentina’s life.
Despite the tragic outcome, Bonta’s office concluded that the evidence did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer acted without intent to defend himself and others from perceived imminent danger. Recommendations were made for the LAPD to improve communication and response protocols in similar scenarios.
Valentina, a student at High Tech Los Angeles Charter School, had recently passed her math and physics exams. The family later filed a lawsuit against the city in connection with the shooting incident, which sparked debates about police response tactics and use of force.
The Police Commission ruling in 2022 found that the officer had violated department policy in the shooting. While the first shot was deemed within policy, subsequent shots were not, and the officer’s threat assessment was questioned. The case highlighted the complexities of law enforcement actions in high-pressure situations and raised concerns about ensuring accountability and transparency within the legal system.
As questions lingered about the events leading to Valentina’s death, the tragedy served as a sobering reminder of the consequences of police actions and the need for ongoing efforts to enhance public safety while safeguarding individual rights. The case continues to prompt discussions about police training, protocols, and oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.