No Criminal Charges Filed in Fatal Shooting of 14-Year-Old Girl by Los Angeles Police Officer

Valentina Orellana-Peralta, only 14 years old, tragically lost her life in an incident that occurred on December 23, 2021, inside a department store in North Hollywood, California. The incident unfolded when a man started attacking customers, leading to a chaotic scene that ended in unforeseen tragedy.

The recently released report from the California Department of Justice states that a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer involved in the shooting will not face criminal charges. However, the incident remains a distressing reminder of the devastating consequences that stray bullets can have.

According to authorities, Valentina and her mother sought refuge in the dressing room of the Burlington Coat Factory as the attacker approached, threatening the safety of the customers. It was in this moment that the officer fired at the suspect, unintentionally firing a bullet that pierced the wall and tragically struck Valentina, causing her death. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Daniel Elena-Lopez, was also fatally shot by the police.

The investigation conducted by the California Department of Justice concluded that the evidence was insufficient to prove that the officer committed a crime. Greg Meyer, a law enforcement expert involved in reviewing the case, characterized the incident as a tragic and unforeseeable accident, clarifying that de-escalation tactics were not feasible under the circumstances.

The incident, which involved the loss of two lives, is a tragic event that warrants examination and reflection. Valentina, who was innocently caught up in the chaos, paid the ultimate price by being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The LAPD and the attorney representing Valentina’s family have been contacted for comment but have not yet responded.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed condolences, acknowledging the complexity of the case and the devastation caused by the loss of two lives. The incident unfolded while the police were responding to reports of assault and a possible shooting at the Burlington Coat Factory.

The investigation into the incident involved the analysis of surveillance camera footage from the scene. The videos, edited and released by the police, provide a glimpse into the events leading up to the teenager’s untimely death.

The footage reveals the suspect, Daniel Elena-Lopez, entering the department store with his bike and later returning to the escalators, now sporting a multicolored jacket and displaying aggressive behavior towards customers. Body camera videos released by the police capture the scene of a woman covered in blood, prompting the officers to search for the suspect who was a short distance away.

The report from the California Department of Justice sheds light on the moment that led to Valentina’s tragic death. The suspect, Elena-Lopez, was reportedly holding a “dark object” in his hand when the officer entered the aisle. In response, the officer fired three bullets from a Colt AR-15 patrol rifle, and one of the bullets inadvertently passed through the wall, striking Valentina. The report documents the bullet’s path, revealing that it changed direction after hitting the floor and entering the fitting room wall.

The investigation concluded that the evidence did not demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer acted without the intent to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be an immediate threat. The California Department of Justice emphasized the tragedy of the incident and expressed sympathy for Valentina’s family, recognizing that the events were unforeseeable and happened rapidly.

The incident involving Valentina Orellana-Peralta serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and often devastating outcomes that can arise in situations involving imminent danger. This event prompts a need for continued examination and evaluation of law enforcement practices and protocols to minimize the potential harm to innocent bystanders.