Los Angeles, California – A tragic incident unfolded in December 2021 when Valentina Orellana Peralta, a 14-year-old bystander, was fatally struck by a stray bullet fired by a Los Angeles police officer during a police-involved shooting. The California Department of Justice recently announced that the officer will not face criminal charges for the tragic event.
According to a report released by the state DOJ, following a thorough investigation, criminal charges were deemed “not appropriate” due to insufficient evidence for the prosecution of the officer. However, the report recommended that the LAPD enhances communication protocols during Immediate Action and Rapid Deployment scenarios, advising the department to consider updating communication training materials in response to such situations.
On the fateful day, December 23, 2021, Orellana Peralta was shopping with her mother in North Hollywood when police officers responded to a report of an active shooter at a Burlington Coat Factory. The officers encountered the suspect, Daniel Elena Lopez, and in the confrontation that followed, a bullet fired by an officer fatally struck the suspect. Tragically, Orellana Peralta, who was hiding in a dressing room, was also struck by a bullet that penetrated through the wall.
The state of California expressed condolences to the family of Orellana Peralta, acknowledging the loss of two lives in the incident. Despite the tragic outcome, the evidence from the investigation did not demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer acted without the intent to defend against imminent death or serious bodily harm. As a result, no further action will be taken in the case.
The LAPD, in a heartfelt statement, expressed regret for the loss of the innocent victim and extended condolences to the family. Orellana Peralta’s father, Juan Pablo Orellana Larenas, called for justice for his daughter during a press conference held after the incident. The young teen had only recently arrived in the United States with her mother six months before the tragic event, leaving the family devastated by the loss.
The community mourns the loss of Valentina Orellana Peralta, a young life cut short due to the tragic circumstances that unfolded in a store in North Hollywood. As authorities grapple with the aftermath of the incident, questions about police procedures and communication protocols during high-stress situations linger. The impact of such events extends beyond those directly involved, leaving a lasting mark on the community and raising important considerations for law enforcement practices.