Reflecting on Tragedy: 41 Years Since the San Ysidro McDonald's Massacre
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Today marks 41 years since the tragic San Ysidro McDonald's massacre, which occurred on July 18, 1984. I've been watching a documentary about this event on Prime Video, and I have to warn that it's a very raw and intense portrayal. The film includes graphic images and videos of the aftermath, which can be disturbing to watch.
The events leading up to the massacre are equally disturbing. James Huberty, a 41-year-old man with a history of mental health issues, left his home with three different weapons, telling his wife Etna that he was going to "hunt humans." Unfortunately, Etna didn't take his threats seriously, and it's been reported that Huberty had a history of abuse towards his own family.
When Huberty arrived at the McDonald's restaurant, he initially had trouble with his gun so no one took him serious, but soon began shooting at anyone in sight, including people outside the restaurant.
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The incident lasted for 77 minutes, during which time Huberty continued to shoot and re-shoot victims. The police were eventually able to respond, and a sniper shot Huberty in his heart, ending the massacre.
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The police have revealed that they couldn't get inside or near the McDonald's because Huberty kept shooting if anyone got close enough but more LIVES could have been saved if law enforcement did more.
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77 minutes of terror, because of one man, and no one was there to make the victims feel protected or to make them feel like "help was coming". The victims that made it out said the same thing. The police failed that day!
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This documentary is a powerful reminder of the tragic events that occurred that day, and it's essential to approach it with caution due to the graphic content. The aftermath of the event had a profound impact on the survivors, families, and the community, and it's crucial to acknowledge the lasting effects of such tragedies.
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The San Ysidro McDonald's massacre was a devastating event that resulted in the loss of 21 lives and left many more with lasting trauma. James Huberty's actions were undoubtedly horrific, and while his mental health struggles may have contributed to his behavior, it doesn't excuse the harm he caused AT ALL. The aftermath of the tragedy saw the community come together to advocate for the restaurant's closure, and ultimately, it was demolished. A memorial was built to honor the victims, although a new McDonald's was later constructed nearby.
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In the years that followed, Etna Huberty, James's wife, attempted to sue McDonald's, claiming that their food had triggered his violent behavior. However, this claim was dismissed. Interestingly, McDonald's did provide support to the community, including funding for therapy and scholarships. Etna Huberty was among the first to receive a payout, which has been met with controversy. In my opinion; his family didn't deserve anything because James gave warnings that he was going a killing spree soon. Etna KNEW what was coming.
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The legacy of this tragedy continues to be felt, and it's essential to acknowledge the lasting impact on the community and the victims' families.
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May the families of everyone involved find peace.
Casualties
Killed inside restaurant:
Elsa Herlinda Borboa-Firro (19)
Neva Denise Caine (22)
Michelle Deanne Carncross (18)
María Elena Colmenero-Silva (19)
Gloria López González (22)
Blythe Regan Herrera (31)
Matao Herrera (11)
Paulina Aquino López (21)
Margarita Padilla (18)
Claudia Pérez (9)
Jose Rubén Lozano-Pérez (19)
Carlos Reyes (8 months)
Jackie Lynn Wright Reyes (18)
Victor Maxmillian Rivera (25)
Arisdelsi Vuelvas-Vargas (31)
Hugo Luis Velázquez Vasquez (45)
Laurence Herman Versluis (62)
Killed outside restaurant:
David Flores Delgado (11)
Omarr Alonso Hernandez (11)
Miguel Victoria-Ulloa (74)
Aída Velázquez Victoria (69)
Injured:
Juan Acosta
John Arnold
Anthony Atkins
Astolfo Cejundo
Joshua Coleman
Guadalupe del Río
Astolfo Félix
Karlita Félix
Maricela Félix
Ronald Herrera
Albert Leos
Francisco López
Aurora Peña
Imelda Pérez
Maria Rivera
Mireya Rivera
Keith Thomas
Juan Tokano
Kenneth Villegas
My goodness awesome review!!!! It was documented that the wife did call the police not on that day but as it approached saying he was planning to kill people. I thought I saw that anyway but either way she didn’t deserve a payout. She was as callous as him.
ReplyDeleteJames Huberty called a mental health facility a day or two before but didn't receive a callback. I believe his wife didn't care at all.
DeleteRight okay
DeleteI have NEVER heard of this!! You are teaching me something new everyday, girl.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a senseless act of violence. It's heartbreaking to think about what could have been done differently.
ReplyDeleteRight.
DeleteI'm glad you're bringing attention to this important topic. It's crucial to learn from the past.
ReplyDeleteMost definitely.
DeleteYou've got a great writing style. Easy to follow and engaging.
ReplyDeleteThank you for honoring the memories of the victims and their families. Your post is a fitting tribute to their memory.
ReplyDelete❤️🩹
DeleteThis is a difficult topic to write about, but you've done it with sensitivity and respect.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading more of your posts.
ReplyDelete🫶🏾✨️
DeleteI remember watching this on the news. Still shocking to think about what happened.
ReplyDelete😭
DeleteThis is a very well-researched article. You've done a great job of providing context and details about the this.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI'm so sorry that this happened to the victims and their families. May they rest in peace.
ReplyDelete🙏🏾❤️🩹
DeleteThis was so sad everybody was so young
ReplyDelete