Los Angeles, Jessica McLaughlin, a 24-year-old employee at a 7-Eleven store in Hollywood, has died after being taken off life support nearly ten days following a disturbing incident in which she was allegedly assaulted by her store manager. The incident occurred on June 24 at the 7-Eleven outlet on Melrose Avenue and is now the subject of a homicide investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
According to officials, McLaughlin was reportedly involved in a verbal dispute with her manager that quickly escalated into violence. Witnesses told police that during the altercation, the manager pulled McLaughlin’s hair, slammed her to the ground, and forcefully sat on her chest and neck, allegedly cutting off her airflow. Employees attempted to intervene but were unable to stop the assault in time.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and McLaughlin was transported to Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, where she was placed on life support after suffering severe brain damage due to a lack of oxygen. She remained unresponsive for several days before her family made the heartbreaking decision to remove life support on Wednesday morning. Her death was confirmed by family members later that day.
Jessica’s father and brother described her as kind, vibrant, and deeply loved by her community. “She made people feel safe and valued. She didn’t deserve this,” said her brother Sean, calling the incident “senseless and cruel.”
Police are currently searching for the manager, who fled the scene shortly after the attack. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspect attempting to delete video recordings before escaping the premises on a bicycle. The individual has since been terminated from employment by 7-Eleven.
In a public statement, 7-Eleven expressed condolences and confirmed that the company is fully cooperating with law enforcement. “We are devastated by the loss of our team member. Our priority is supporting the family and ensuring justice is served,” a spokesperson said.
The LAPD is urging anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign organized by Jessica’s family has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support her loved ones through the tragedy.
Authorities are treating the case as a homicide, and charges are expected to be filed once the suspect is taken into custody.
