Moreno Valley Unified School District reaches landmark settlement over fatal 2019 bullying incident

The Moreno Valley Unified School District in Southern California has agreed to a $27 million settlement in a lawsuit brought by the family of a 13-year-old boy, Diego Stolz, who tragically lost his life after being assaulted by fellow students four years ago. The settlement is believed to be one of the largest in the United States related to school bullying, as reported by the law firm Taylor & Ring, which announced the settlement on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on September 16, 2019, at Landmark Middle School, where Diego Stolz was brutally beaten. Cellphone footage of the assault captured two teenagers confronting and punching Stolz, causing him to fall and hit his head against a pillar in the schoolyard. Days later, he succumbed to a severe brain injury.

According to the lawsuit, the family had repeatedly reported verbal and physical abuse that Stolz endured both on and off campus to school administrators, but their concerns went unaddressed. In the days leading up to the tragedy, family members met with school administrators to request protection for Diego. Officials promised to suspend the responsible students for three days. However, when Stolz returned to school the following Monday, his bullies remained unpunished.

The fatal confrontation was caught on video as two teenagers attacked Stolz during lunchtime. Despite the family’s pleas and complaints, the school failed to intervene effectively. As a result, the family filed a lawsuit, alleging negligence on the part of the school.

In the wake of Diego Stolz’s death, a principal and two assistant principals were dismissed from Landmark Middle School. The lawsuit also asserts that the school did not report previous assaults to the police.

Two teenagers, aged 14 at the time of the attack, were arrested and later pleaded guilty in juvenile court to involuntary manslaughter and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. They spent 47 days in custody and were required to undergo anger management therapy.

The tragic loss of Diego Stolz, described as a “typical 13-year-old boy” who enjoyed video games, soccer, and music, has left his family devastated. However, they hope that this landmark case will serve as a catalyst for change in school districts nationwide, emphasizing the critical need for robust anti-bullying policies and prompt action when students report bullying incidents.

The Moreno Valley Unified School District Superintendent, Martinrex Kedziora, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured families and staff that the safety and well-being of students remain their top priority. He also highlighted anti-bullying initiatives introduced by the district since Stolz’s tragic death in 2019, including online reporting forms and educational materials.

The $27 million settlement underscores the urgency of addressing bullying in educational institutions and the profound impact it can have on the lives of students and their families.