Jessica McLaughlin, a 24-year-old employee at a Los Angeles 7-Eleven, died Wednesday after being taken off life support, eight days after a brutal attack allegedly carried out by her manager.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Jessica had been on life support since June 24, when she was assaulted during her shift. Her family confirmed she was declared brain dead due to oxygen deprivation sustained during the incident.
A Normal Shift Turned Tragic
Jessica had arrived at work expecting a typical day, but shortly after 2 p.m., she reportedly got into an argument with her manager. Her brother, Sean McLaughlin, described the attack in a GoFundMe campaign launched to support funeral costs.
“She held her down, sat on top of her, and didn’t let her breathe,” he wrote. Witnesses said the manager used her full body weight to pin Jessica down, compressing her chest and restricting her ability to breathe.
Other employees attempted to intervene but were injured in the process. After the attack, Jessica reportedly collapsed but was still conscious enough to tell coworkers she couldn’t breathe and asked them to call 911. CPR was attempted but unsuccessful in reviving her. She was rushed to Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital in critical condition.
Jessica’s father, Clancey McLaughlin, later told KTLA that her brain had been deprived of oxygen for over 10 minutes. “She’s basically declared brain dead now,” he said earlier this week.
Attempt to Destroy Evidence and Ongoing Manhunt
According to the family, the manager allegedly fled to the store’s back office after the incident and tried to erase surveillance footage before fleeing the scene on a bicycle.
The suspect has not yet been apprehended. Authorities are investigating Jessica’s death as a homicide, and the search for the manager remains ongoing.
“Senseless and Violent”
The McLaughlin family has expressed deep grief and outrage. “Jessica walked into work expecting a normal day — but instead, she was violently and senselessly attacked,” Sean wrote.
Jessica’s death has drawn public attention and outrage, with supporters calling for justice and accountability. Her family continues to raise funds for her funeral and has asked anyone with information to contact authorities.
