A woman who family members say was attacked by her manager at a 7-Eleven store in Hollywood has died, her father confirms to affiliate KTLA.
Jessica McLaughlin died Wednesday morning, just days after she was described as “clinically dead” by her loved ones.
McLaughlin suffered traumatic injuries during a physical confrontation at her place of employment on June 24. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the scene for a report of a felony battery at the convenience store on the 5700 block of Melrose Avenue.
McLaughlin was found at the store, but her attacker fled before police arrived.
Her family members told KTLA that McLaughlin was finishing her shift when she got in a heated argument with the store’s assistant manager, saying that the manager antagonized Jessica and threw a bottle at her.
The altercation became more violent, according to fellow employees, who described the scene as the assistant manager pinning McLaughlin to the ground and forcing her to lose consciousness.
McLaughlin suffered severe brain damage due to lack of oxygen, ultimately leading to her death, loved ones said.
Jessica McLaughlin’s father, Clancey, said his daughter experienced bullying at work, specifically by the assistant manager they believe is responsible for her death. Additional coworkers told KTLA they had witnessed and experienced the manager’s bullying behavior.
In a statement provided to KTLA, a 7-Eleven spokesperson said the company was fully cooperating with the investigation and that the suspect was fired.
As of Wednesday, police have not made an arrest. Police have also not confirmed the suspect’s identity but said they are still looking for her.
A GoFundMe page set up by McLaughlin’s brother is currently accepting donations to help pay for her funeral expenses, as well as collect personal stories about his sister.
“Hearing your stories and memories of her has brought so much comfort during this time,” Sean McLaughlin wrote in a recent GoFundMe update. “She was amazing, and seeing how loved she was makes this pain a little easier to carry.”
The police investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information should contact the LAPD. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.
