In a groundbreaking development, a California family has reached a historic $27 million settlement with the San Moreno Valley Unified School District, marking a significant milestone four years after the tragic death of 13-year-old Diego Stolz. The incident occurred on September 16, 2019, when Diego was fatally punched at his middle school.
Two 14-year-old boys, who were 13 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and assault in juvenile court. A Riverside County judge sentenced them to 47 days in jail, in addition to community service and therapy.
Diego Stolz’s family, represented by Taylor & Ring LLP, hailed this settlement as the largest ever in a school bullying case in the United States. Describing Diego as a kind-hearted and gentle young boy, his attorneys shared that he had refrained from fighting at school, following the rules set by the school.
According to the family’s legal counsel, Diego had reported the bullying to school administrators, who failed to take appropriate action to prevent further incidents.
The Stolz family’s lawsuit against the school district highlighted promises made by the school to discipline and suspend the bullies in the week preceding the fatal incident, promises that were left unfulfilled. Tragically, the following Monday, when Diego returned to school, he was attacked and lost his life.
This case serves as a potent reminder to schools across the United States to take their anti-bullying policies seriously. When a student reports bullying, swift and decisive action must be taken to ensure their safety.
The entire incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, showed the juvenile bullies striking Diego from behind, causing him to fall and hit his head against a concrete pillar, after which they continued their assault.
Diego succumbed to a brain injury nine days later, leaving his family devastated.
The settlement reached by Diego Stolz’s family is a historic moment in the fight against school bullying, setting a significant precedent in the United States.
In response to the tragedy and the settlement, Moreno Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora acknowledged the changes and improvements made in their anti-bullying efforts over the past few years. These include a centralized online bullying reporting system, distribution of educational materials, and updates to district and school websites to provide resources and support against bullying.
Dr. Kedziora assured the community that the safety and well-being of students remain the top priority for the Moreno Valley Unified School District. The tragic loss of Diego Stolz has underscored the importance of taking a proactive stance against bullying in schools, ensuring that no child faces harm or intimidation in their pursuit of education.