California School District Pays $27 Million Settlement in Bullying Death Lawsuit

The Moreno Valley Unified School District in Southern California has agreed to pay $27 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of 13-year-old Diego Stolz, who died after being assaulted by two fellow students at Landmark Middle School in 2019. The attack, which was recorded on video, resulted in Stolz hitting his head against a pillar and suffering a fatal brain injury. The family had informed the school about the bullying incidents prior to the attack, but no action was taken. The settlement highlights the need for schools to have effective anti-bullying policies and take complaints seriously. The assailants, who were 14 at the time, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and assault charges in juvenile court.