Stabbing Victim Dies After Ambulance Stolen in Downey

Family seeks $40 million from city, citing failures in public safety and emergency response

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Reinaldo Jesus Lefonts, a recent retiree, was viciously stabbed in a Downey library parking lot, severing both his carotid arteries and jugular veins. An ambulance arrived but was then stolen, leading to Lefonts' death at the scene. His family is now seeking $40 million from the city, citing failures in public safety and the emergency response, including a lack of proper locking devices on the ambulance.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of public safety and the need for reliable emergency response systems. The family's claim raises questions about the city's responsibility to ensure the security of public spaces and the proper equipping of emergency vehicles to prevent further loss of life.

The details

Lefonts was charging his electric vehicle in the Downey Civic Center parking lot when he was attacked in a stabbing that severed both his carotid arteries and jugular veins. An ambulance arrived, but the driver, Nicholas DeMarco, allegedly stole the vehicle and led police on a chase that ended in a crash. Lefonts died at the scene, and his family is now seeking $40 million from the city, citing failures in public safety and the emergency response, including a lack of proper locking devices on the ambulance.

  • On September 13, 2025, Reinaldo Jesus Lefonts was attacked in the Downey Civic Center parking lot.
  • Less than 24 hours earlier, the suspect, Giovanni Navarro, had been arrested for trespassing at the same location.

The players

Reinaldo Jesus Lefonts

A 68-year-old recent retiree who was attacked and killed in the Downey Civic Center parking lot.

Giovanni Navarro

A 23-year-old suspect with 28 prior criminal convictions, including brandishing a weapon, attempted burglary, and criminal threats.

Nicholas DeMarco

A 52-year-old man who allegedly stole the ambulance that responded to the scene and led police on a chase that ended in a crash.

Downey City Council

The city council that received a report on homelessness-related public safety concerns just weeks before Lefonts' death.

Alexis Galindo

The lead attorney representing Lefonts' family in their $40 million claim against the city.

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What they’re saying

“The City of Downey knew this parking lot was dangerous. 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. His family deserves answers, accountability and justice.”

— Alexis Galindo, Lead attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow the city to respond to the family's $40 million claim within the next year.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for cities to prioritize public safety, ensure the proper equipping of emergency vehicles, and respond effectively to known security concerns in order to prevent such devastating outcomes in the future.