Rev. Al Sharpton Officiates Funeral Of Valentina Orellana-Peralta, 14-Year-Old Killed By LAPD Stray Bullet
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy and officiated the funeral Monday for 14-year-old Valentina Orellana-Peralta who was fatally struck by a stray bullet fired by Los Angeles police inside a North Hollywood Burlington store.
"The fact that the officer was Black doesn't mean we don't want a thorough investigation," said Rev. Al Sharpton. "And let the evidence lead to he who is held accountable, like any other officer."
The funeral was held at the City of Refuge Church in Gardena.
"This pain and suffering of not having her by our side, we will never overcome it," said Juan Pablo Peralta, Valentina's father.
The family's lawyers, Ben Crump and Rahul Ravipudi also spoke at the funeral.
Valentina was killed on Dec. 23 in a dressing room while shopping for a Christmas dress with her mother.
Police responded to the store following reports of an assault suspect inside. Once they arrived, police fatally shot 24-year-old Daniel Elena Lopez.
A bullet fired by LAPD Officer William Jones pierced a wall of the dressing room and struck Valentina.
Jones has been placed on administrative leave while authorities investigate the shooting.
Valentina came to Los Angeles with her mother from Santiago, Chile, about six months ago.
Her parents said she had dreams of becoming a robotics engineer and an American citizen.
(© Copyright 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)