A widower in California has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against McDonald's, alleging that staff inaction directly contributed to his wife's fatal injuries during a violent drive-thru attack.
The Tragic Incident and Legal Allegations
Jose Juan Rangel initiated the legal action in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, nearly two years after the death of his 58-year-old wife, Maria Vargas Luna, in March 2024. The lawsuit names McDonald's Corporation and two franchise holders, accusing them of negligence and wrongful death.
Rangel claims that employees at the restaurant watched the assault through the drive-thru window and on live video feeds but chose not to call 911 or activate any emergency response. "Their total inaction in the face of heightened risk directly contributed to the injuries and the death described in this complaint," the filing alleges.
A History of Unheeded Warnings
According to the complaint, the assailant, identified as Charles Cornelius Green Jr., had been allowed to approach vehicles for over ten minutes, soliciting money from customers before he targeted the Rangel family. The lawsuit states that these were "visible warning signs" that required protective action, which was not taken.
The attack unfolded when Green allegedly lunged at Jose Rangel, striking him repeatedly through the open driver-side window. Maria Vargas Luna rushed to her husband's defence and was pushed to the ground, where her head struck the asphalt. She suffered severe head trauma leading to cardiac arrest and permanent brain damage. After several months on life support, she succumbed to her injuries.
A Pattern of Violence and a Call for Accountability
The legal documents reveal a troubling history at the location, stating that the Los Angeles Police Department had responded to 132 calls at the McDonald's in the four years preceding the tragedy. These included reports of assault, battery, robbery, and weapons-related threats.
"Despite the history of similar incidents, the visible warning signs immediately before the assault, and the attack unfolding in plain view for several minutes, defendants chose not to take any action," the complaint argues. Rangel contends the franchise should have employed security personnel or implemented safety measures for customer wellbeing.
Charles Cornelius Green Jr. was initially charged with a felony battery count and a misdemeanour, but the felony charge was later dropped. "He's a free man," Luna's stepdaughter, Veronica Rangel, told local media at the time. "My father's wife... is dying or pretty much dead, and where's the justice?"
Jose Juan Rangel is now seeking unspecified financial damages for the loss of his wife, arguing the company had the means and responsibility to prevent the tragedy.
