Parents of Slain Boy File Claim

The parents of a 17-year-old boy slain in a drive-by shooting outside a Canoga Park school for juvenile offenders have filed a government claim against the Los Angeles County Office of Education and the city of Los Angeles, alleging that a security guard should have been on duty at the site.

Police say Michael Urquidi was shot in the chest by an unknown gang member Jan. 8 as classes ended at the Canoga Park Leadership Academy, which is operated by the county Office of Education.

The boy’s parents say his death could have been prevented if a security guard had stood watch outside the facility. A memorandum of understanding between the city and the Office of Education requires a security guard to be on site from 30 minutes before school starts until one hour after it ends.

A spokesman for the Office of Education would not comment because he had not seen the claim, which is a precursor to a lawsuit.

Frank and Maria Urquidi, Michael’s parents, appeared at a news conference in front of the county administration building in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 21. The conference was arranged by two teachers at the Canoga Park Leadership Academy who allege that Michael’s death points to widespread mismanagement of the Office of Education.

In response to the teachers’ allegations, the county said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened by the tragic shooting” and “took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of students at the site.”