At a Glance
- Jose Juan Rangel, 76, filed a wrongful-death complaint against a Los Angeles McDonald’s on January 8
- He alleges employees watched a March 9, 2024 attack on live video yet “chose not to intervene”
- His wife Maria Luna died months later from head injuries after being shoved to the asphalt
- Why it matters: The suit claims the location had a documented history of safety failures, spotlighting corporate responsibility for customer protection
A California widower is suing McDonald’s, saying franchise workers stood by and watched while he and his wife were assaulted in the drive-thru, an attack that ultimately killed her.
The Alleged Attack
According to the complaint and prior Fox 11 coverage, Rangel and Luna ordered food at a Los Angeles McDonald’s on March 9, 2024. While they waited, Charles Cornelius Green Jr.-described in the filing as a “known vagrant with a history of frequenting” the restaurant-spent roughly 10 minutes walking between cars asking for money.
- Employees allegedly monitored Green’s behavior on live security feeds
- No worker approached him or alerted authorities
- Rangel states Green “without warning” punched him through the driver-side window
- Green then moved to the passenger side and attacked Luna
When Rangel exited to defend her, Green wrestled with him. Luna stepped out to help; the suit says Green “pushed her to the ground, and her head struck the asphalt.”
Fatal Injuries
The fall inflicted:
- Severe head trauma
- A cardiac event
- Permanent brain damage
Luna was placed on life support for several months before dying from her injuries.
911 Calls Never Made
The complaint contends employees saw the assault through the drive-thru window and on security monitors yet “still chose not to call 911 or activate any emergency response.”
Pattern of Neglect Claimed
The filing labels the restaurant “notorious in the community for ignoring the safety of its paying customers,” citing Los Angeles Police Department records showing approximately 132 911 calls to the address between January 1, 2020 and the incident date.
Legal Claims
Rangel’s action lists eight causes:
- Wrongful death
- Survival action
- Negligence
- Premises liability
- Negligent hiring, training, supervision and retention
- Negligent undertaking
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
He seeks damages and a jury trial.
Franchise Owner Responds
Marcus L. Bennett reported that Dean Sanchez, franchise owner of the location, provided this statement:
“Our hearts go out to Mr. Rangel and his family after this tragic incident. We’re a family-owned business that’s deeply committed to safely serving the local community. While we’re unable to comment further at this time due to ongoing litigation, we do not believe the facts support these claims, and we will respond in full through the proper legal channels.”
Rangel’s attorney Ali Kazempour did not immediately reply to News Of Los Angeles‘s request for comment.
Key Takeaways
- The suit centers on whether McDonald’s had a duty-and failed-to protect customers from a frequently seen trespasser
- Alleged inaction by staff forms the core of both the negligence and premises-liability arguments
- Previous police calls could bolster claims the restaurant knew of ongoing safety issues
