Los Angeles, California – A tragic incident unfolded in a store in North Hollywood, California, when 14-year-old Valentina Orellana Peralta lost her life due to a stray bullet fired by a Los Angeles police officer in December 2021. The California Department of Justice recently announced that the officer responsible will not face criminal charges for the incident.
According to a report released by the state DOJ, after a thorough investigation, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to support criminal prosecution of the officer for the death of Orellana Peralta. The report did, however, recommend that the LAPD improve communication protocols in scenarios involving Immediate Action and Rapid Deployment.
The tragic event unfolded when police officers responded to a report of an active shooter at a Burlington Coat Factory where they encountered a 24-year-old suspect, Daniel Elena Lopez, who was later shot and killed by an officer. Orellana Peralta, who was shopping with her mother, was hit by a bullet that ricocheted off the floor into a dressing room where she was hiding.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed condolences to the family of Orellana Peralta and acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating, “Any loss of life is a tragedy, and my heart goes out especially to the family of Valentina Orellana Peralta, who tragically lost her life and whose only involvement in this incident was by being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Despite the tragic outcome, the state DOJ concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the officer acted without the intent to defend himself and others from imminent danger. As a result, no further action will be taken in the case.
The LAPD, as well as the family of the victim, have not yet responded to requests for comment following the announcement from the state DOJ. Orellana Peralta’s father, Juan Pablo Orellana Larenas, has been vocal about seeking justice for his daughter and expressing his grief over the loss of his innocent child.
The community, still reeling from the loss of Orellana Peralta, has come together to mourn and remember the young girl who had only recently come to the United States with her mother. The incident has sparked conversations about police protocols and the use of force in high-pressure situations, prompting calls for improved training and communication within law enforcement agencies.