LAPD officer testifies in civil trial over 2021 Burlington store shooting that killed teen girl   

Testimony began Thursday in a civil trial over the 2021 shooting death of a 14-year-old girl inside a Burlington store dressing room in North Hollywood, where an LAPD officer fired shots during an encounter with a man who had attacked two women.

LAPD Officer Jones took the stand Thursday afternoon, with much of his testimony focused on his training and the capabilities of the assault rifle he used in December 2021.

Jones was among the officers who responded to the Burlington store after a man attacked two women with a bike lock inside the store. During the encounter, Jones fired his rifle three times.

The shots killed the man involved in the attack. However, one bullet ricocheted off the floor and entered a changing room, striking and killing 14-year-old Valentina Peralta, who had been shopping for clothes with her mother at the time.

After the shooting, Peralta’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking more than $100 million in damages.

During Thursday’s testimony, the family’s attorney asked Jones about his experience using the weapon, referencing his training and opportunities to fire it in practice.

Attorney General Rob Bonta previously determined that no criminal charges would be filed against Jones, stating the evidence showed the officer believed he was acting in self-defense or in defense of others.

The officer’s testimony is scheduled to resume Monday.