California AG Declines to File Charges Against LAPD Officer in Fatal Shooting of 14-Year-Old Girl

The California Attorney General's office has announced that it will not file criminal charges against the LAPD officer involved in the deadly shooting of a 14-year-old girl in December 2021. The decision comes after a thorough investigation into the incident, which occurred at a Burlington store in North Hollywood.

On December 23, 2021, LAPD officers responded to reports of an assault at the Burlington store. Upon arriving at the scene, they encountered a suspect who was allegedly attacking customers with a bike lock. In the ensuing confrontation, one of the officers opened fire, striking the suspect. However, a stray bullet passed through a dressing room wall, fatally wounding 14-year-old Valentina Orellana-Peralta, who was hiding inside with her mother.

The incident sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the community and civil rights activists. The LAPD launched an internal investigation, and the California Department of Justice also conducted an independent review of the shooting.

After a comprehensive examination of the evidence, including body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic analysis, the Attorney General's office determined that there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges against the officer involved. The investigation concluded that the officer's use of force was justified given the circumstances and the perceived threat posed by the suspect.

Why this matters: The decision not to file charges in this high-profile case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding police use of force and accountability. It also highlights the difficulties encountered by law enforcement in making quick decisions in high-risk situations, while striking a balance between ensuring public safety and reducing the likelihood of unintended casualties.

In a statement, California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed his condolences to the family of Valentina Orellana-Peralta and acknowledged the tragic nature of the incident. He emphasized that while the officer's actions were deemed legally justified, the loss of a young life was a devastating outcome. Bonta also called for continued efforts to improve police training and policies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The LAPD released a statement saying that it respects the Attorney General's decision and remains committed to transparency and accountability. The department also reiterated its commitment to providing its officers with the training and resources needed to handle high-pressure situations effectively and minimize the risk of unintended harm to bystanders.

Key Takeaways

• CA AG's office won't file charges against LAPD officer in 2021 shooting
• Officer opened fire at suspect, but stray bullet killed 14-year-old girl
• Investigation found officer's use of force was legally justified
• AG expressed condolences, called for improved police training and policies
• LAPD committed to transparency and providing officers with necessary resources