Family Sues for $40 Million
The family of a 68-year-old man who was fatally stabbed while charging his Tesla has filed a $40 million lawsuit, alleging that local officials failed to maintain safe conditions at the public parking lot where the attack occurred. The civil claim follows the death of Reinaldo Lefonts, who was attacked in broad daylight while using an electric vehicle charging station at a civic center parking lot in Downey, California. Lefonts, a recently retired laboratory technician, was charging his vehicle on the morning of September 13, 2025, when authorities say he was approached and stabbed multiple times in the neck and upper body. Emergency crews were called to the scene, but Lefonts ultimately died from his injuries. The Los Angeles County medical examiner later ruled his death a homicide.
Violent Attack in a Public Civic Center Parking Lot
Investigators say the suspect, 23-year-old Giovanni Navarro, allegedly attacked Lefonts without warning while he was standing near the charging station. Prosecutors say Navarro was homeless and had a lengthy criminal record that included 28 prior convictions. Court records indicate Navarro had been arrested for trespassing at the same civic center location less than a day before the stabbing but was released before the attack occurred. The incident happened in a parking lot used by residents visiting the public library and other city services. According to the family’s legal filing, the location had already generated hundreds of police calls in recent years involving criminal activity such as assaults, theft, and drug-related incidents. Family members say Lefonts had recently retired after decades working in medical laboratory services and was enjoying time with his family when his life was suddenly cut short.
Ambulance Theft Added to the Chaos
The situation became even more chaotic after paramedics arrived to treat Lefonts. Authorities say another man entered the ambulance that had responded to the stabbing and drove away, leading police on a pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed miles away. Attorneys for the Lefonts family say the ambulance allegedly lacked a required anti-theft locking mechanism. The lawsuit argues that this failure contributed to delays in transporting Lefonts to the hospital during a critical moment in the emergency response. Lefonts died before he could be taken from the scene.
Lawsuit Claims City Ignored Safety Risks
The lawsuit filed by Lefonts’ family argues that the city failed to address known safety problems at the civic center parking lot. Their attorney claims officials were aware of repeated crime and safety complaints but did not implement adequate security measures to protect the public. The complaint also points to signage in the parking area stating the location was monitored by 24-hour surveillance. The family argues that such signage could have led visitors, including Lefonts, to believe the area was actively supervised and safe to use. The civil claim seeks $35 million in general damages and an additional $5 million in economic damages tied to medical costs, funeral expenses, and the financial and emotional loss suffered by Lefonts’ family.
Criminal Case Moves Forward
Navarro has been charged with murder and faces additional allegations related to the use of a weapon during the attack. Court proceedings in the criminal case are ongoing. Under California law, the city has up to one year to respond to the claim filed by Lefonts’ family. If the claim is denied or no settlement is reached, the case could proceed to a full civil trial. For Lefonts’ relatives, the lawsuit represents an attempt to hold officials accountable and to push for stronger safety measures in public spaces where residents expect to feel secure.
