A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against McDonald’s Corporation and a local franchise operator following a fatal incident at a drive-thru in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. Jose Juan Rangel, the widower of 58-year-old Maria Vargas Luna, alleges that the fast-food chain failed to provide adequate security or intervene during a violent attack that ultimately claimed his wife’s life. The complaint, lodged in Los Angeles County Superior Court, seeks unspecified damages for negligence and wrongful death, asserting that employees watched the unfolding aggression without notifying law enforcement.
The confrontation occurred on March 9, 2024, at the McDonald’s location on North Soto Street. According to the legal filing, the couple was waiting for their order when a man, identified by authorities as Charles Cornelius Green Jr., approached their vehicle demanding money. Rangel states that Green, described in the suit as a “known vagrant,” had been loitering near the drive-thru and harassing customers for at least 10 minutes prior to the assault. When the couple refused his demands, Green allegedly lunged through the driver’s side window, striking Rangel repeatedly.
The situation escalated when Vargas Luna, who was partially blind, exited the vehicle in an attempt to aid her husband. The lawsuit details that Green then turned his aggression toward her, shoving her forcefully to the pavement. The fall caused severe head trauma, resulting in cardiac arrest and permanent brain damage. Vargas Luna remained on life support for several months before succumbing to her injuries. The plaintiff contends that staff members witnessed the attack on live security feeds and through the service window but failed to call 911 or activate panic alarms until it was too late.
In support of the negligence claim, the lawsuit highlights a history of safety concerns at the specific property. Records cited in the complaint indicate that the Los Angeles Police Department received approximately 130 calls for service at the location between January 2020 and March 2024. These reports reportedly included incidents of assault, battery, robbery, and narcotics activity. Rangel’s legal team argues that this pattern of criminal activity obligated the franchise to implement robust security measures, such as hiring guards, which were allegedly absent on the night of the attack.
Dean Sanchez, the owner and operator of the franchise, issued a statement expressing condolences to the family but contesting the lawsuit’s narrative. “Our hearts go out to Mr. Rangel and his family after this tragic incident,” Sanchez said. “We are a family-owned business deeply committed to safely serving the local community. While we are 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.” Defense counsel in similar premises liability cases often argue that businesses cannot always predict or prevent random acts of third-party violence and that the primary responsibility lies with the perpetrator.
Green was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the assault. As the civil case moves forward, the court will likely examine whether the history of police calls at the restaurant created a “foreseeable” risk that required the franchise to take greater preventative action to protect its patrons.
