The bereaved family of the fatally shot 14-year-old Valentina Orellana-Peralta at the Los Angeles clothing store two days before Christmas is seeking answers from the police department, ABC News reported.
“To see a son or daughter die in your arms is one of the pains — the greatest pains and most profound pains — that any human being can imagine,” Soledad Peralta, the minor’s mother, said. “Now, our sweet angel has left us forever. Please give us strength, Valentina.”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump legally represented Valentina’s family. He also stood for the families of the slain George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, and Ahmaud Arbery.
Last Dec. 23, Valentina was at a Burlington clothing store in North Hollywood, California along with her mother.
She was inside a dressing room trying on attire when she was fatally hit by a stray bullet.
During that time, police officers from the LAPD are opening fire against an assault suspect who was reported to be armed with a deadly weapon.
The minor’s parents appeared on Tuesday wearing signs screaming “justice for our daughter.”
“The pain of opening Christmas presents for her that were delivered for Christmas Day cannot be described,” Juan Pablo Orellana Larenas, Valentina’s father, told a press conference.
“It’s like my heart was torn out,” he said.
After the incident, the police department released body camera and surveillance video recordings, 911 calls, and radio transmissions.
“This chaotic incident resulting in the death of an innocent child is tragic and devastating for everyone involved. I am profoundly sorry for the loss of this young girl’s life and I know there are no words that can relieve the unimaginable pain for the family,” LAPD Chief Michel R. Moore said.
“My commitment is to conduct a thorough, complete and transparent investigation into the circumstances that led up to this tragedy and provide the family and public with as much information as possible,” he furthered.
