LOS ANGELES (AP) — The trial for a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department is set to commence concerning the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl, Valentina Orellana-Peralta, who was struck by a bullet in a Burlington store.
On December 23, 2021, Valentina was shopping for Christmas clothes with her mother when the tragic incident occurred. Officer William Dorsey Jones Jr. fired his weapon three times in response to a report of a man armed with a bike lock attacking two women.
The lawsuit claims wrongful death, negligence, and emotional distress against the LAPD for failing to properly train and supervise the officers involved.
Valentina's mother, Soledad Peralta, witnessed her daughter's death, and the lawsuit alleges that her death was the result of reckless decisions made by the police, leaving the family devastated.
Rowley, the lawyer representing the family, stated, “Valentina had her entire life in front of her, and it was taken in an instant due to reckless decisions made by the very people who were sworn to protect her. We intend to hold LAPD fully accountable for taking an innocent young woman's life.”
The LAPD did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Police Commission ruled that while the initial shot was justified, the subsequent shots were out of policy.
Officer Jones mistook the bike lock for a gun and believed there was an active shooter in the store, leading to the tragic and accidental shooting.
This case follows other notable police incidents, including a recent $30 million settlement for the killing of another young person in similar circumstances, highlighting ongoing concerns about police conduct in the United States.
