The family of Diego Stolz, a middle school student who died after being assaulted by two classmates, has sued the Moreno Valley Unified School District, alleging it failed to take their previous report of bullying seriously and is responsible for his death.

On Sept. 16, 2019, Stolz, 13, was sucker-punched at Landmark Middle School in an incident captured on video and shared on social media. His head hit a pillar and, after he fell to the ground, unconscious, his assailant and another boy continued punching him. Stolz died days later in a hospital, having never awakened. His two assailants have been charged with assault and voluntary manslaughter.

Stolz died Sept. 24, 2019, and the family announced a few weeks later its intention to pursue legal action against the district. But the lawsuit was not filed until Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, because the family did not have legal standing to do so until state law changed

Assembly Bill 2445, introduced by Assemblywoman Eloise Gómez Reyes, D-San Bernardino, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Previously, only parents were allowed to sue on behalf of someone who died “due to the wrongful act or neglect of another.” But since he was 1 year old, Stolz and his two brothers have been raised by his maternal aunt and uncle, Juana and Felipe Salcedo, after his mother died in 2007. After his father’s death in 2014, the pair were appointed his legal guardians.

“A legal guardian’s love and caring for a child, and the grief they feel from that child’s death is no different than that experienced by biological parents and the law should reflect that,” Reyes wrote in an email Monday, Sept. 14.

The lawsuit, filed by Manhattan Beach attorney David Ring, blasts Moreno Valley Unified, former Landmark Middle School administrators and the two boys who assaulted Stolz.

“The real tragedy behind Diego’s death is that administrators at Landmark Middle School had been warned multiple times that Diego was being bullied by other students at Landmark Middle School, including as recently as the Friday before the assault,” the lawsuit reads, in part. “Administrators completely disregarded such warnings and did absolutely nothing to stop the bullying, despite assuring Diego’s aunt (Juana) and other family members that measures would be taken to address the bullying.”

The district “blatantly” ignored “red flags that could have saved Diego’s life,” the lawsuit continues.

“We fully respect and appreciate the plaintiff’s right to bring this lawsuit,” Moreno Valley Unified spokeswoman Anahi Velasco said in a written statement. “Diego will never be forgotten, and we know that this is a very difficult time for the family.”

In addition to the district and the two boys who assaulted Stolz, the lawsuit also names Kamilah O’Connor, the former assistant principal at Landmark Middle School, whom the boy and his cousin Jazmin Salcedo reported an assault to, three days before the assault that took his life. The lawsuit also names former Assistant Principal Pedro Gutierrez and former Principal Scott Walker. None of the three now work at the school.

The lawsuit accuses Moreno Valley school administrators of allowing bullying to go “unchecked” at district campuses for decades, citing the 1998 death of Jerod Schroeder, also at Landmark Middle School.

“Fights and bullying at MVUSD campuses are a weekly occurrence,” the lawsuit reads, in part.

Velasco pointed to steps Moreno Valley has taken since Stolz’s death to prevent bullying and violence. They include an intervention team that ensures complaints are handled in a timely fashion and guarantees communication with the family of students who report being bullied and easier ways for students to report bullying, including prominent links on the desktop of every student’s Chromebook and on school websites. The district has also stepped up training for assistant principals, who handle student discipline issues, and encouraged them to ask for help when needed.

“The safety and wellness of our students and staff continue to remain a top priority for the district,” she concluded.

By BEAU YARBOUGH | Southern California News Group

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At about 11:27 a.m., the suspect vehicle was located by deputies. A felony traffic stop was conducted on Creekwood Ct. north of Mildred St. The two suspects detained were Isaiah Lugo, 23 years old of Moreno Valley, and Charles Trevino, 24 years old of Perris. Both suspects were arrested for Murder and booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.

The victim was identified as Abdallah Abushawish, 61 years of San Jacinto. The investigation is currently on-going and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Manjarrez with the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.

Update:

The investigation revealed Alexander Aquino is a suspect in the homicide. The Central Homicide Unit is seeking information regarding the whereabouts of Aquino. If anyone has information about this case, please contact Investigator Manjarrez at (951) 538-8961.

Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Homicide Tipline online form.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

The post Murder – August 19, 2020 appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Perris

Homicide

Incident Date: September 9, 2019

Investigators from the Central Homicide Unit identified Bun Leuk, a 44-year-old resident of Perris,as the suspect. On Tuesday, September 11, 2019, about 12:15 AM, officers from the Fontana Police Department assisted with a vehicle stop at Riverside Avenue and Interstate 10 in the city of Rialto. Bun was located driving a Toyota Tacoma truck, believed to have been the vehicle used during the incident. The vehicle was impounded for evidence, and Mr. Leuk was taken into custody and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center in the city of Riverside. The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Investigator Button at (760) 393-3531 or (951) 955-2777.

Details:

On Monday, September 09, 2019, about 4:50 PM, deputies from the Perris Station responded to the 29000 Block of 13th Street in the unincorporated area of Riverside County known as Nuevo in reference to an assault with a deadly weapon.

Upon arrival, deputies found a female deceased in the roadway of 13th Street and a second female injured. The suspect fled the scene before deputies arrived and has not been located. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

This is an active investigation and no additional details are currently available. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Button at (760) 393-3531 or (951) 955-2777.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Perris

Homicide

Incident Date: September 6, 2019

On Friday, September 6, 2019, at 11:22 PM, deputies responded to 33 Whirlaway Street in the city of Perris, in reference to a report of multiple people being assaulted at the residence. Deputies arrived on scene to find a female victim deceased from injuries sustained during the attack. A second female and a male were also located at the residence suffering from traumatic injuries. Both were transported to a local hospital where they received care for their injuries. The scene was secured and the Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Anthony Varela, 29 years of Perris. He was taken into custody and booked at the Robert Presley Detention  Center in Riverside.

This is an active investigation and no additional details are currently available. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Alfaro at (760) 393-3528 or (951) 955-2777.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Palm Desert

DUI Traffic Collision

Incident Date: September 8, 2019

On September 8, 2019, at 5:12 p.m., Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Desert Station, investigated a single vehicle traffic collision within the 45900 block of Highway 74, Palm Desert. The investigation determined a white Ford sedan, driven by a Collen Cosner, age 48 of Palm Desert, veered off the roadway and struck a parked vehicle at the location. Collen Cosner was found to have been operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. After being medically cleared at a local hospital, Collen Cosner was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio for driving under the influence.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact, Deputy Christopher Williams from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Desert Station at 760-836-1600, or Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867). The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department urges all drivers not to drink and drive.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Moreno Valley

Attempt Murder

Incident Date: September 6, 2019

On September 6, 2019, at approximately 2:15 AM, deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a shots fired call at the 14000 block of Vinehill St., Moreno Valley.  The initial investigation revealed there was a verbal dispute which escalated to the suspect brandishing a pistol and shooting the victim in the abdomen. The suspect fled the area and hid in a neighborhood near 22000 block of Allies Pl., Moreno Valley.  The victim’s friends transported him to the hospital where he is currently being treated. 

The Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team (SET), Robbery & Burglary Suppression Team (RBST), Riverside County S.W.A.T. and Fugitive Warrant Enforcement Team (FWET) responded to the area.  The suspect was located and taken into custody without further incident. Team members search his vehicle and located the firearm used in the assault. 

Juan Cardenas (19-years-old), resident of Moreno Valley, was arrested and booked into Robert Presley Detention Center (RPDC) for attempted murder. 

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Sinclair with the RBST at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 486-6700. 

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Thermal

Search Warrant Results in Firearm Seizure and Arrest

Incident Date: September 6, 2019

On Friday, September 6, 2019, at 7:45 P.M. the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force with the assistance of La Quinta Special Enforcement Team served a weapons related search warrant near the 52000 block of Avenida Navarro in the City of La Quinta. The search warrant stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 5, 2019, during which time members of La Quinta Special Enforcement Team arrested documented criminal street gang member, Eric Basquez, 40 of La Quinta during a vehicle stop for being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine and Evading a Peace Officer.  A loaded .40 caliber semi-auto handgun was recovered during the incident. Basquez was booked at the Indio Jail.

During today’s search warrant, Gang Task Force Officers seized a .357 revolver, and several rounds of ammunition.  Gang Task Force Officers arrested Jose Angel Arellano, 20 of La Quinta for being in possession of an unregistered handgun.  Arellano was booked at Smith Correctional Facility. 

The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity. If you have any information about this crime, please contact CVVCGTF member Officer Villasenor at (760) 836-1600. If you have non-emergency information regarding gang activity, please use our online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951-922-7601.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Perris

Homicide

Incident Date: September 1, 2019

During the course of this investigation, Eduardo Salvador Escoto, a 35-year old male, who resided on the Palm Avenue property, has been identified as a suspect in Brandie Frazier’s murder. Frazier’s 2016 white Chevy Suburban with license plate DP522MB, is missing from her residence and it is believed Escoto fled in her vehicle. The Suburban has a pink Chevy emblem on the front of the vehicle and black wheels. Escoto has a warrant for his arrest and is believed to have fled to Guadalajara, Mexico. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle or Escoto in the event he has not crossed the border. Do not approach Escoto or the vehicle and notify law enforcement immediately if either is seen. 

This investigation is ongoing and the Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Bishop at (951) 955-2777, or Perris Sheriff Station Investigator Salisbury at (951) 210-1000.

Details:

On Sunday, September 1st, 2019, at 11:00 AM, deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station responded to a residence in the 17000 block of Palm Road near Lake Matthews, to investigate a report of a dead body. When the deputies arrived on Palm Avenue, they located a deceased female adult and determined she was the victim of a homicide. Perris Station investigators and the Central Homicide Unit assumed the investigation. The victim has been identified as Brandie Frazier, a 42 year old female. The suspect is outstanding, however, there is no known threat to public safety. The investigation is currently on-going and anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Bishop of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

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Search: Crime Watch – September 13

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