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Los Angeles, CA – A California man is pursuing legal action against McDonald’s, alleging that employees failed to intervene during a brutal attack on his wife in a drive-thru lane, ultimately leading to her death. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that McDonald’s workers watched as a “vagrant” assaulted Maria Vargas Luna, 58, and neglected to call 911 for assistance.

Jose Juan Rangel, the widower, alleges that the incident occurred in March 2024 at a McDonald’s restaurant in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of East Los Angeles. According to the lawsuit, Charles Cornelius Green Jr. Approached vehicles in the drive-thru, panhandling for money for at least ten minutes before targeting Rangel and his wife. The case highlights growing concerns about safety and responsibility within fast-food establishments, particularly regarding interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.

Details of the Attack

The lawsuit details a harrowing sequence of events. Green allegedly began assaulting Rangel through the driver-side window of their car. Maria Vargas Luna, who was partially blind, attempted to support her husband and was subsequently shoved to the ground, suffering severe head trauma. She was hospitalized and placed on life support for several months before succumbing to her injuries, according to court documents. The family previously told Fox News that Vargas Luna suffered two heart attacks while being rushed to the hospital.

Rangel also sustained injuries during the initial assault, being struck repeatedly in the face. The complaint asserts that McDonald’s employees had ample opportunity to observe Green’s escalating behavior and contact law enforcement before the attack occurred. “Defendants’ employees had sufficient time to observe Green’s conduct, recognize the danger, and intervene before the assault,” the lawsuit states, as reported by Law & Crime.

Lawsuit Claims Negligence

The lawsuit accuses McDonald’s and two franchise holders of negligence, alleging they failed to provide a safe environment for customers. Rangel’s attorney, Ali R. Kazempour, claims that the employees’ inaction directly contributed to Luna’s death. The suit was filed on January 8, nearly two years after the incident, and seeks damages for wrongful death, negligence, and emotional distress. The New York Post reported that Rangel filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court.

This case echoes similar concerns raised in other incidents involving interactions between fast-food customers and individuals experiencing homelessness. The incident has sparked debate about the responsibilities of businesses to protect their patrons and the challenges faced by employees in such situations. The family established a GoFundMe to help with expenses.

McDonald’s Response and Ongoing Investigation

As of February 23, 2026, McDonald’s has not publicly commented on the specifics of the lawsuit. However, the company generally states that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of its customers and employees. Local authorities investigated the attack in 2024, and Charles Cornelius Green Jr. Was taken into custody. The current status of the criminal case against Green is not immediately available.

The lawsuit raises questions about the protocols in place at McDonald’s restaurants to address potentially dangerous situations and the training provided to employees on how to respond to aggressive or threatening behavior. It also highlights the broader issue of homelessness and mental health in urban areas and the challenges of balancing public safety with compassion for vulnerable populations.

The case is expected to proceed through the legal system in the coming months, with potential implications for McDonald’s policies and procedures regarding security and emergency response. The outcome of the lawsuit could also set a precedent for similar cases involving businesses and their responsibility to protect customers from harm.

What comes next will depend on the court’s proceedings and any potential settlement negotiations between the parties involved. The case will likely draw attention to the safety measures implemented by fast-food chains and the legal obligations they have to ensure the well-being of their customers.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

Dendermonde, Belgium – Former Zillion nightclub owner Frank Verstraeten, 56, is facing legal repercussions after allegedly throwing a bucket of water over a colleague during a warm summer day. The incident, which occurred earlier this year, has led to charges of assault and battery, and Verstraeten appeared in a Dendermonde court on Monday, February 23, 2026, to address the allegations. The case highlights a continuing pattern of legal troubles for the once-celebrated entrepreneur.

The charges stem from an incident where Verstraeten reportedly doused a coworker with water. Details surrounding the exact circumstances remain limited, but the act has been classified by authorities as “slagen en verwondingen” – assault and battery – according to reports. Verstraeten, known for his flamboyant personality and past success in the Belgian nightlife scene, now risks a potential jail sentence if convicted. The incident occurred during a period where Verstraeten has been rebuilding his business ventures after facing previous setbacks.

From Nightclub Mogul to LED Screen Entrepreneur

Frank Verstraeten rose to prominence as the driving force behind Zillion, a hugely popular nightclub that dominated the Belgian dance music scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was often referred to as the “Zillion guru,” and even compared to Bill Gates during the height of his success according to HLN. Although, his success was followed by legal challenges, including a period of imprisonment in 2002. He was released from Antwerp prison on May 29, 2002, with model Charisse Verhaert waiting for him as reported by HLN.

Following his release, Verstraeten transitioned into a new business venture, focusing on LED screen technology. For the past twenty years, he has been a supplier of large-scale LED screens for major events, including providing the main stage screens for numerous music festivals as detailed in HLN. His company, Pixelscreen, has found success in the event technology sector, operating from a storage facility as of 2023 according to HLN.

Recent Setbacks and Current Legal Battle

Despite his recent business success, Verstraeten has faced recent challenges. In July 2025, a fire destroyed a significant portion of his LED screen inventory, resulting in millions of euros in damages as reported by HLN. This loss came shortly before the current legal issue, adding to the financial strain on his business.

The current court case revolves around the alleged assault on his colleague. Verstraeten reportedly dismissed the accusations as “Degoutant” and “pertinente leugens” – disgusting and pertinent lies – during his court appearance on Monday according to HLN. The prosecution will likely present evidence and testimony to support the charges, while Verstraeten’s defense team is expected to challenge the allegations.

The outcome of this case remains uncertain. The court will demand to determine the facts of the incident and assess the evidence presented by both sides. The severity of the potential sentence will depend on the extent of the injuries sustained by the alleged victim and Verstraeten’s prior criminal record.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals navigating the complexities of business and the legal system. The next court date is currently unconfirmed, but further updates will be provided as they become available.

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