New Trial Pushed for Valentina’s Case | Venice Beach News

A new trial is being sought for the family of 14-year-old Valentina Orellana-Peralta, fatally shot in a Burlington dressing room by an LAPD officer during a high-speed response to a bicycle lock assault — a case that shocked the nation. Despite a May verdict siding with the city, the family’s attorneys argue the judge erred by excluding critical evidence, including former LAPD Chief’s findings that the officer violated department policy, and misinstructing the jury on the officer’s mistaken belief the suspect held a gun. They also claim the city’s surprise expert witness and the defense’s closing remarks unfairly skewed the trial. Though the state declined to pursue criminal charges citing self-defense, it urged the LAPD to overhaul its rapid-response protocols — leaving the family’s civil case as the last legal avenue for justice. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d345d287c8493117