Left inset: Jacob Smith in hospital (KXTV/YouTube). Right inset: Jalani Bluett (Sutter County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Jacob Smith working at the McDonald’s in California where he was allegedly targeted in a hot oil attack (GoFundMe).
In a shocking incident at a California McDonald’s, an employee allegedly doused a 20-year-old manager with boiling oil, causing severe burns across his face and body, according to law enforcement and the victim’s family.
Jacob Smith, the victim, expressed his disbelief and anguish to his mother after the harrowing event on May 30, as detailed in a GoFundMe campaign she initiated.
“Jacob, a dedicated and long-serving staff member at McDonald’s, was simply carrying out his usual duties when this dreadful incident occurred,” the fundraiser’s narrative explains. “A day that started like any other quickly turned tragic when a colleague attacked him with scalding oil.”
The assault took place at the Yuba City McDonald’s where Smith sustained third-degree burns on his face, arms, and shoulders.
“He was in the office preparing to count the money when he caught a glimpse of something from the corner of his eye. As he turned, the hot oil was suddenly thrown at him,” Jacob’s mother, Amber Smith, recounted to local NBC station KCRA.
The police took Jalani Bluett, 23, into custody, charging him with assault with a deadly weapon or instrument other than a firearm, mayhem, and battery causing serious bodily harm. Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for the attack.
“I want justice to be served,” Amber Smith said. “I want him to serve the time he needs to serve for what he’s done to my son. I mean, I don’t wish bad things towards him. I just want him to understand that what he did — really understand what he did — and the pain that he caused to my son is excruciating.”
Smith is scheduled to undergo surgery next week. Bluett appeared in court last Wednesday and pleaded not guilty, according to The Sacramento Bee. He is being held without bail.
