Jose Juan Rangel filed a lawsuit on Jan. 8 alleging that McDonald’s employees watched a March 9, 2024 drive‑thru assault on his wife, Maria Vargas, and did not call 911. The complaint alleges the attacker struck Rangel and then pushed Vargas to the ground, causing severe head trauma that led to months on life support and ultimately her death. The suit lists eight causes of action — including wrongful death and premises liability — and seeks damages and a jury trial. The franchise owner expressed sympathy but says it will contest the claims in court.
Widower Sues McDonald’s Over Fatal Drive‑Thru Assault, Alleges Staff Watched And Failed To Call 911
GettyMcDonald's drive-thru lane
Jose Juan Rangel, 76, has filed a lawsuit against a Los Angeles McDonald’s franchise after his wife, Maria Vargas, suffered fatal injuries following an alleged assault in the restaurant’s drive‑thru lane on March 9, 2024.
Allegations in the complaint
The complaint, filed on Jan. 8, says that Charles Cornelius Green Jr. — described in the papers as a 'known vagrant with a history of frequenting' the location — approached vehicles in the drive‑thru for about 10 minutes asking for money. The filing alleges employees watched Green’s conduct both at the drive‑thru window and on live security monitors but 'chose not to intervene' or call emergency services.
According to the complaint, Green struck Rangel through the open driver‑side window 'without warning,' then moved to the passenger side and assaulted Vargas. Rangel exited his vehicle to intervene and was wrestled with by Green. Vargas left the car to help and, the complaint says, 'Green pushed her to the ground, and her head struck the asphalt.'
The filing alleges the blow inflicted severe head trauma that triggered a cardiac event and caused permanent brain damage. Vargas was transported to a hospital, placed on life support for several months, and later died from her injuries.
Legal claims and context
Rangel’s suit lists eight causes of action, including wrongful death, survival action, negligence, premises liability, negligent hiring, training, supervision and retention, negligent undertaking, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and loss of consortium. He is seeking damages and a jury trial.
The complaint further alleges the franchise location has a pattern of safety problems, noting that the Los Angeles Police Department responded to roughly 132 911 calls at that address between Jan. 1, 2020, and the date of the incident.
Responses
Dean Sanchez, the franchise owner, issued a statement to PEOPLE: '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, had not immediately responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment, according to the report. The original reporting was by PEOPLE and cited coverage from Fox 11.
Note: These are allegations contained in a civil complaint. The defendants will have an opportunity to respond in court.
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