Tragedy at 7-Eleven: Young Employee Dies After Alleged Assault by Manager

Los Angeles, CA — What started as a typical afternoon shift at a 7-Eleven in Hollywood turned into a devastating tragedy for 24-year-old Jessica McLaughlin, who has died after being declared brain-dead following an alleged violent altercation with her store manager.

Jessica, known for her vibrant personality and deep love for family, passed away on July 2, just over a week after she lost consciousness during the incident. Her death has shocked her community and ignited calls for justice and reform in workplace safety practices.

The Incident That Changed Everything

According to police reports and witness statements, the altercation occurred around 2:10 p.m. on June 24 inside the 7-Eleven store located on Melrose Avenue near North Arden Boulevard. Sources say Jessica and a female manager began arguing—initially a verbal dispute that soon escalated into a physical confrontation.

Eyewitnesses describe a horrifying scene: the manager allegedly pinned Jessica to the ground and “sat on her chest,” preventing her from breathing. Others in the store reportedly tried to intervene, but were either pushed away or physically attacked. One witness claimed the manager grabbed Jessica’s hair and refused to let her go, even as she began to lose consciousness.

Moments later, Jessica collapsed. Her co-workers quickly called 911 and attempted CPR before paramedics arrived. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was placed on life support.

From Hope to Heartbreak

Jessica’s father, Clancey McLaughlin, told local media that his daughter had suffered catastrophic brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Doctors informed the family that Jessica had gone without sufficient oxygen for more than 10 minutes—an amount of time that typically results in irreversible brain injury.

For several days, loved ones held onto hope. “We prayed for a miracle,” said her older brother, Sean McLaughlin. “But we also had to accept the reality of what happened to her.” After multiple brain scans confirmed no activity, the family made the painful decision to withdraw life support.

She was pronounced dead on July 2.

Who Was Jessica McLaughlin?

Jessica was more than just an employee at a convenience store. Friends and relatives describe her as kind-hearted, playful, and protective of those she cared about. “She loved being an aunt,” said her sister-in-law, Emily. “She would show up at our house with coloring books and snacks, just to make the kids laugh.”

Jessica moved to Los Angeles from San Bernardino two years ago, seeking independence and new beginnings. Working at 7-Eleven was meant to be temporary while she explored career options in early childhood education. “She had dreams of working with kids, maybe even opening a daycare,” Sean said.

The Aftermath and Calls for Justice

News of Jessica’s death spread quickly, sparking outrage among community members and advocacy groups. Many questioned how a workplace dispute could escalate to fatal violence—and why no one was immediately arrested.

The LAPD has confirmed that the case is being investigated as a homicide. However, the female manager alleged to be responsible fled the scene before officers arrived. According to Jessica’s brother, the woman may have attempted to delete in-store surveillance footage before escaping.

“She ran, but justice doesn’t stop chasing people,” Sean said during a vigil held outside the store. “We’re not going to let this be buried.”

Authorities have reviewed security footage and are working to identify and locate the suspect. As of July 4, no arrests have been made, and the manager’s identity has not been publicly confirmed.

GoFundMe, Vigils, and Public Response

In the wake of Jessica’s passing, the McLaughlin family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for funeral expenses and to help fund legal action. The page has raised thousands in donations from across the country, many of whom were moved by the tragic story of a young woman taken too soon.

Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil outside the 7-Eleven store, leaving flowers, photos, and handwritten notes. One note read, “You deserved so much more. Rest in peace, beautiful soul.”

The incident has also drawn attention from labor and civil rights organizations, who argue that better conflict resolution training and accountability structures are needed in retail workplaces. “This wasn’t just a personal dispute—it’s a symptom of a broken system where employees are unprotected and often silenced,” said labor advocate Maria Torres of the Retail Workers Alliance.

A Family’s Plea

For the McLaughlin family, grief is now intertwined with a search for justice. “She was our baby. We loved her more than words can say,” her mother, Donna, said through tears. “And we want answers. We want someone held accountable.”

The family hopes Jessica’s story will lead to systemic change—whether through policy, improved worker protections, or simply reminding people that “no job is worth dying for.”

“Jessica didn’t deserve this,” said her brother. “She deserved a future. She deserved respect. She deserved to live.”

What Comes Next

As the investigation continues, the McLaughlin family waits for news of an arrest. They say they will not stop until the woman responsible is held to account—not just for Jessica, but for all workers who face mistreatment and danger on the job.

“We’re not going away,” Sean said. “We’re going to speak her name until justice is served.”