Man, 68, Dies from Stab Wounds in Parking Lot After Responding Ambulance Is Stolen, Family Seeking $40 Million in Damages

A tragic incident involving the fatal stabbing of a 68-year-old man in a California library parking lot has resulted in a significant legal claim against the city. Reinaldo Jesus LeFonts lost his life after being attacked while charging his Tesla outside Downey City Library on the morning of September 13, 2025.

LeFonts was reportedly stabbed multiple times; the Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed he suffered a severe neck injury, alongside additional stab wounds to his head and forearm. Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene just 25 minutes after the attack occurred, at 9:55 a.m.

The anguish deepened when an ambulance meant to assist LeFonts was stolen shortly after its arrival. The Downey Police Department reported that a 52-year-old man, Nicholas DeMarco, took control of the vehicle while emergency personnel were tending to LeFonts. Following a police pursuit, DeMarco was apprehended near the location of the incident.

The suspect in the stabbing, identified as 23-year-old Giovanni Navarro, was arrested shortly after fleeing the scene. Notably, Navarro had a previous criminal record, comprising 28 convictions, which included charges of trespassing and attempted burglary. On the day prior to the stabbing, he had been taken into custody for trespassing at the same library facility.

In the wake of the horrifying event, LeFonts’ family has filed a claim against the city of Downey, seeking $40 million in damages. The family alleges that failures in public safety and emergency response contributed significantly to LeFonts’ untimely death. They contend that the ambulance was not equipped with the required Tremco anti-theft locking device, a standard mandated by California state law for emergency vehicles.

The family argues that this lack of proper security directly impeded the timely medical treatment LeFonts critically needed. In their claim, they express that if the ambulance had been adequately secured, it might have been available to transport LeFonts to the hospital, potentially saving his life.

Furthermore, the claim asserts that the presence of “24-hour surveillance” signage in the library’s parking lot misled LeFonts into believing he was in a secure environment. The family’s lawyer, Alexis Galindo, noted that the city was aware of the dangers associated with the area, particularly given that Navarro had been arrested for prior trespassing at the location just one day before the incident.

Galindo remarked on the city’s negligence in protecting its residents, stating, “They knew the man who killed Reinaldo had just been arrested there the day before. They knew their rescue vehicle wasn’t properly equipped. And still, they did nothing. Reinaldo died within reach of help that should have been there.”

LeFonts’ family’s demands bring into focus broader concerns regarding public safety and emergency response protocols in Downey. The tragic circumstances surrounding this case highlight potential systemic issues that may have directly contributed to the fatal outcome.

Authorities have been approached for comments regarding the events, but there has yet to be an official response from the Downey Police Department or the city clerk.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by residents and raises critical questions about the effectiveness of emergency response measures in high-risk areas. The developments of this case are set to capture continued public and legal scrutiny as the family seeks justice for their lost loved one.