A 20-year-old McDonald's worker in Yuba City, California, is in intensive care with severe burns after a co-worker allegedly threw scalding hot oil on him inside the restaurant, and investigators say they still do not know why the attack happened.
Police say the victim, identified by family members as Jacob Smith, was working a routine shift at the McDonald's on Harter Parkway on May 30 when the incident occurred.
Smith suffered second-degree burns to his face, neck, arm and back and remains hospitalized in an intensive care unit, where doctors are monitoring his condition and managing significant pain. Medical staff are also working to limit long-term damage and reduce the need for extensive skin grafts, according to reports, according to ABC7 News.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 23-year-old co-worker Jalani (also reported as Jalani or Jelani) Bluett, who is accused of throwing the hot oil on Smith without warning.
Investigators say Bluett fled the restaurant after the attack, prompting a police search. He was located and arrested shortly after midnight on June 1 and booked into Sutter County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
Prosecutors in Sutter County have charged Bluett with multiple felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, and battery causing serious bodily injury.
Court records show he has pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment hearing. Officials say the case remains under active investigation as they gather evidence and interview witnesses, the Sacramento Bee reported.
Smith's mother, Amber Smith, told local station KCRA that her son was in an office area preparing to count money when he noticed movement and turned just as the oil was thrown at him.
She said her son is experiencing extreme pain from the burns and is struggling to understand why he was targeted. Family members have launched an online fundraiser to help cover mounting medical expenses and ongoing care costs.
Police and prosecutors have not released any information explaining a possible motive, and investigators say they have not established what led up to the attack.
Smith has reportedly told relatives he has "no idea" why his co-worker would harm him, and authorities say they are continuing to review surveillance footage and workplace accounts.
McDonald's has said in statements to media that it is cooperating with law enforcement and focusing on supporting employees at the affected location, as per Ground.
