Joanna Ramos, 10
Joanna Ramos, a 10-year-old Latina, died Friday, Feb. 24, after suffering blunt-head trauma near East 11th Street and Freeman Avenue in Long Beach, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Police said Joanna was involved in a fight with another student after classes ended at Willard Elementary. It’s believe the two girls had quarreled over a boy.
Family and friends said the girl vomited and complained of a headache after the fight, but had no visible wounds, according to news reports.
Joanna's aunt, Celina Cervantes, told KTLA-TV Channel 5 that her mother took the girl to the hospital. She underwent surgery and was placed in intensive care.
"My sister-in-law rushed her to the ER, and two hours later she's gone," Cervantes told KTLA. "It's just sad. Very sad."
Officers were informed about 5:50 p.m. Friday that Joanna was not breathing. Although hospital personnel tried to revive her, she was pronounced dead shortly before 9 p.m., authorities said.
Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said the girl died from blunt-force trauma to the head. The trauma resulted from an altercation, Winter said.
An autopsy was performed on the girl Sunday following her death late Friday.
Long Beach police on Sunday were trying to determine what happened and said no arrests have been made.
“There are still many questions, many questions that cannot be answered,” said Long Beach Deputy Police Chief Robert Luna.
Anyone with information about the death is asked to contact Long Beach Police homicide at (562) 570-7244. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
-- Los Angeles Times
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