California Family Reaches $27 Million Settlement in School Bullying Case
In a significant development, a California family has secured a $27 million settlement from the San Moreno Valley Unified School District. This resolution comes four years after the tragic death of 13-year-old Diego Stolz, who was fatally punched at his middle school on September 16, 2019.
Two 14-year-old boys, who were 13 at the time of the incident, admitted guilt in juvenile court, facing charges of manslaughter and assault. In response, a Riverside County judge imposed a sentence of 47 days in jail, along with community service and therapy for them.
Largest School Bullying Settlement in U.S. History
The legal team representing the Stolz family, from Taylor & Ring LLP, has hailed this settlement as the largest in a school bullying case in the United States. They shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, describing Diego as an exceptionally kind and sweet kid. They recounted the tragic incident when Diego, following the school’s advice not to fight, was sucker-punched and lost his life to bullying.
Diego Stolz passed away nine days after being sucker-punched at his middle school in September 2019.
Neglected Complaints of Bullying
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by the Stolz family against the school district revealed that Diego had complained to school administrators about the bullying he endured. However, these complaints did not result in appropriate action to halt the harassment.
The legal representatives at Taylor & Ring emphasized, “The school had promised Diego and his family the prior week that the boys would be disciplined and suspended. They weren’t.” Tragically, the following Monday, when Diego returned to school, he met a terrible fate. This case serves as a stark reminder for all schools across the U.S. to take their anti-bullying policies seriously and respond promptly to student complaints to ensure the safety of their students.
Video Evidence and Tragic Outcome
The entire incident was captured on video and widely shared on social media platforms. The two juvenile bullies attacked Diego from behind, causing him to fall and strike his head against a concrete pillar. Shockingly, they continued to assault him even after he fell.
As a result of the injuries sustained during this incident, Diego succumbed to a fatal brain injury nine days later.
A Message from the School District
In response to this tragic incident and settlement, Moreno Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora outlined several changes in the school’s anti-bullying efforts. These measures include a centralized online bullying form, classroom posters explaining bullying, distribution of business cards with QR codes for reporting bullying, and updates to district and school websites with resources on bullying.
Dr. Kedziora conveyed the district’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its students and staff, acknowledging that Diego’s passing was deeply saddening and that their priority remains the protection of every student and staff member.
Legacy of Organ Donation
In a heartwarming gesture, the sheriff’s department announced in September 2019 that Stolz’s family had donated his organs, transforming this tragedy into the gift of life for other children.
This landmark $27 million settlement marks a significant step forward in addressing school bullying in the United States, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to ensure students’ safety.