The tragic death of the 24-year-old “beautiful soul” Jessica McLaughlin following a violent workplace attack has now prompted a homicide investigation.
The incident took place around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the store located in the 5700 block of Melrose Avenue, in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
According to her family, via a GoFundMe campaign, Jessica was assaulted by one of her managers during what should have been a routine shift. She was found unresponsive inside the store when police arrived, but her alleged attacker had already fled.
Jessica was placed on life support following the attack. However, despite round-the-clock medical care and the hopes of her loved ones, doctors declared her brain dead. Due to the unimaginable news, her family later made the heartbreaking decision to take her off life support.
According to People, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed a fight did occur at the store between two women. “Officers took a felony battery report after the female victim and female suspect were involved in a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical altercation,” LAPD Officer Norma Eisenman stated.
She added, “The victim was left unconscious and in critical condition.” As of now, no arrests have been made. Authorities also say she later died from injuries sustained in the attack, ABC7 Eyewitness News reports.
Her family further revealed to KTLA5 News that Jessica was nearing the end of her shift when she got into a heated argument with the store’s assistant manager, Valeria, who they say provoked and threw a bottle at her, sparking the fight.
Coworkers reportedly recounted seeing the manager pin the 24-year-old to the ground, restricting her breathing until she lost consciousness. Some coworkers tried to intervene but were also attacked. The suspect then reportedly went to the back room in an attempt to delete the store’s security footage before fleeing the scene on a bicycle.
Jessica’s father, Clancey McLaughlin, revealed that she had been bullied at work by the same manager. According to the news outlet, other employees confirmed experiencing similar mistreatment, and a 7-Eleven spokesperson confirmed that the suspect had been fired and that the company is fully cooperating with the LAPD’s investigation.
He also fought back tears as he told the media that his daughter “was probably one of the best family members ever,” adding that he used to call her his “green-haired warrior” because “she would take her food, clothes to people.”
Meanwhile, homicide detectives also took over the case on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, and are currently reviewing surveillance footage as part of their ongoing efforts to locate the suspect.
The GoFundme was launched to cover funeral and legal expenses remains active. Her family, boyfriend, close friends, and community hope to give her the loving, dignified farewell she deserves.
“She was the kind of person who rooted for the underdog, who lifted people up when they were down, and who truly saw the good in everyone. She had such a beautiful soul and deserved so much better than the way her life was taken from her,” her brother wrote in the fundraiser.
Jessica is remembered as a gentle, loyal, and compassionate person who made everyone around her feel safe and seen. Her tragic and untimely death has left her community reeling and calling for justice as the investigation continues.
Jessica’s life was full of love, light, and quiet strength, and that’s how her family wants her to be remembered. As they prepare to lay her to rest, their hearts ache for justice and peace. She didn’t deserve this ending, but she will always deserve to be honored.