On Wednesday, September 13, a significant development emerged from San Moreno Valley, California. The Moreno Valley Unified School District settled for $27 million with a family grieving the tragic loss of their son due to bullying at his middle school. The incident occurred on September 16, 2019, when Diego Stolz, the victim, was only 13 years old.
In relation to this tragic event, two 13-year-old teenagers were held accountable in a juvenile court. They were convicted of manslaughter and assault charges. The court’s decision, given by a Riverside County judge, included a sentence of only 47 days in jail. This was coupled with mandatory community service and argument management therapy for both teens.
The law firm, Taylor & Ring LLP, worked on behalf of the Stolz family. They emphasized the significance of the settlement, pointing out its stature as the highest ever in a US school bullying case. The attorneys, in a public Facebook post, recounted the distressing events leading to Diego’s death.
Witnesses and acquaintances described Diego as a genuinely kind boy. On the day of the incident, when he was accosted by the bullies, Diego consciously chose not to engage physically. Instead, he was blindsided with a punch by the two culprits.
Subsequent to the young boy’s death, the Stolz family proceeded to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the school district. They have been clear in their claim that Diego had previously communicated his fears about being bullied to school officials. Although there had been assurances of punitive action, including possible suspensions, none happened. Taylor & Ring’s statement highlighted the critical need for educational institutions across the US to proactively address bullying, emphasizing the primacy of student safety.
This case gained further attention and urgency when it came to light that the assault on Diego was recorded and widely circulated on social media. The video paints a harrowing picture, showing Diego being taken by surprise from behind. The attack caused his head to crash into a concrete pillar. Despite the injury, the attackers continued their assault. This brutal event culminated in a severe brain injury, leading to Diego’s untimely death a mere nine days after the incident.
