The tragic death of Reinaldo Jesus LeFonts, a California lab tech, has left his family devastated and seeking justice. The 68-year-old was brutally stabbed by a homeless career criminal, Giovanni Navarro, outside the Downey City Library last September. What makes this case even more harrowing is the fact that another homeless man, Nicholas DeMarco, stole the ambulance that arrived on the scene to save LeFonts, leading police on a high-speed chase that ended in a wreck.
The family is now suing the city of Downey for $40 million, citing negligence and failure to provide adequate emergency services in a known high-crime area. The parking lot where the incident occurred has had over 670 calls to service in the past three years, including assaults, robberies, sex crimes, arson, theft, and narcotics violations. In fact, in 2015, a police officer was fatally shot in the same parking lot where LeFonts was attacked.
According to reports, Navarro had been arrested for trespassing in the area less than 24 hours before the fatal stabbing. The family’s attorney, Alexis Galindo, asserts that the city was aware of the dangers in the area but failed to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its residents.
LeFonts, a beloved lab tech at UC Irvine who had recently retired, was described as a family man who enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, including his grandson, fondly known as ‘Little Ray.’ His senseless death has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Navarro has been charged with murder and a special allegation of using a weapon to commit the offense. The legal battle ahead will undoubtedly be a difficult and emotional journey for LeFonts’ family as they seek accountability and closure.
As the case unfolds, the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of a dedicated professional whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. The lawsuit against the city serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring public safety and the need for adequate emergency response in high-risk areas.
