San Ysidro McDonald's Massacre
Mass Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
San Ysidro, San Diego, California
TIME PERIOD
July 18, 1984
VICTIMS
22 confirmed
The San Ysidro McDonald's massacre occurred on July 18, 1984, at approximately 4:00 PM in San Ysidro, San Diego, California, when 41-year-old James Huberty opened fire inside the restaurant, killing 22 individuals, including an unborn child, and injuring 19 others. The incident lasted about 77 minutes until Huberty was shot and killed by a police sniper. Huberty had expressed concerns about his mental health just days prior to the attack and had attempted to seek help but was not contacted due to a clerical error. This massacre remains the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in U.S. history at the time and is still the deadliest in California, with a total of 23 fatalities, including the perpetrator.
Investigators and the public theorize that James Huberty's motive for the massacre may have stemmed from a combination of rage, suicidal ideation, and a desire for revenge. Some believe that his mental health issues, which he acknowledged shortly before the incident, played a significant role in his actions. Additionally, there is speculation regarding whether Huberty had targeted the McDonald's specifically or if it was a random choice influenced by his unstable mental state.
The San Ysidro McDonald's Massacre: A Day of Unthinkable Tragedy
A Quiet Suburb Shattered
On a seemingly ordinary summer afternoon, July 18, 1984, the peaceful San Ysidro neighborhood of San Diego, California, was forever changed by an act of unimaginable violence. At 32°33′21.2″N 117°03′15.0″W, the coordinates mark the McDonald's restaurant where 41-year-old James Oliver Huberty unleashed a brutal massacre that claimed 22 lives, including an unborn child, and injured 19 others. This horrific event, lasting approximately 77 minutes, etched itself into history as the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in the United States at that time, only to be surpassed seven years later by the events at Luby's Cafeteria. Nevertheless, it remains the deadliest mass shooting in California.
Prelude to Violence
James Huberty's journey to that tragic afternoon began days earlier. On July 15, 1984, he confided in his wife, Etna, about his suspicions of having a mental health problem. Seeking help, he reached out to a San Diego mental health clinic on July 17, leaving his contact details with a receptionist. Unfortunately, his name was misspelled as "Shouberty," and the call was logged as a non-crisis inquiry, delaying any response for 48 hours. Unaware of this error, Huberty waited by the phone, a quiet resolve settling over him as hours passed without the anticipated call.
That evening, despite the ominous undercurrent, Huberty appeared content. He spent time with his family, cycling to a nearby park with his wife and daughters, Zelia and Cassandra, and later watched a movie with Etna.
The Morning of July 18
The Huberty family's morning began with a visit to the San Diego Zoo. As they wandered the zoo's paths, James confided in Etna, expressing his belief that the mental health clinic's failure to return his call marked the end of any hope. "Well, society had their chance," he remarked, seemingly resigned to a grim fate.
After lunching at a McDonald's in the Clairemont neighborhood, the family returned home. It was here that Huberty's demeanor shifted. He donned a maroon T-shirt and green camouflage slacks, gathered his weapons—a 9mm Browning HP, a 9mm Uzi carbine, and a Winchester 1200 12-gauge shotgun—and informed his wife he was "going hunting... hunting for humans." With a gun over his shoulder, ammunition in hand, and a chilling farewell to his daughter, Zelia, he departed, stating, "Goodbye. I won't be back."
The Massacre Unfolds
At approximately 3:56 p.m., Huberty arrived at the McDonald's on San Ysidro Boulevard in his black Mercury Marquis sedan. Inside the restaurant, 45 unsuspecting customers and staff went about their day. Huberty entered with deadly intent, his arsenal and a bundle of ammunition concealed in a cloth bag.
The horror began when Huberty aimed his shotgun at 16-year-old employee John Arnold. Assistant manager Guillermo Flores shouted a warning, but initially, the gun did not fire. As Huberty fiddled with the weapon, manager Neva Caine approached, only to be shot beneath the left eye. She died minutes later.
Chaos erupted as Huberty shot Arnold and declared his intent to kill, referring to the patrons as "dirty swine" and claiming he had "killed a thousand" and intended to kill a thousand more. Victor Rivera, a 25-year-old customer, attempted to intervene, but Huberty silenced him with fourteen gunshots.
Huberty's rampage continued as he turned his attention to a group of women and children. He killed 19-year-old María Colmenero-Silva and nine-year-old Claudia Pérez, and wounded Pérez's sister, Imelda. He then targeted 11-year-old Aurora Peña and her aunt, Jackie Reyes, who shielded Aurora. Huberty shot Reyes 48 times, and as her eight-month-old son, Carlos, cried, Huberty ended his life with a single shot.
Families huddled together in terror, trying to protect their loved ones. Blythe Regan Herrera shielded her son, Matao, while her husband, Ronald, covered Matao's friend, Keith Thomas. Despite their efforts, Blythe and Matao were killed, and Thomas was wounded. Ronald survived his injuries.
Outside, Huberty continued his assault. He shot and killed 62-year-old Laurence Versluis and turned his attention to an elderly couple, Miguel and Aída Velázquez Victoria. Aída was killed instantly, and Miguel followed after cradling his wife's body.
Police Intervention and Resolution
The first emergency call came in moments after the shooting began, but an error directed officers to the wrong McDonald's. This delayed the lockdown and increased the chaos. When police finally arrived at the correct location ten minutes later, they found Huberty still firing indiscriminately.
Officer Miguel Rosario, the first on the scene, quickly relayed the situation to the San Diego Police Department. Soon, 175 officers, including SWAT team members, surrounded the restaurant. At 5:05 p.m., the order was given to neutralize the gunman.
Huberty roamed the restaurant, adjusting a portable radio to find news of his rampage. As the minutes dragged on, a police sniper seized a clear shot, ending Huberty's life and his reign of terror.
Aftermath and Legacy
In the wake of the massacre, the community of San Ysidro grappled with the devastation. Families mourned their losses, and survivors faced the long road to recovery. The tragedy prompted nationwide discussions about gun control and mental health, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of American society.
The San Ysidro McDonald's massacre remains a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of violence. It stands as a testament to the resilience of those who survived and the enduring memory of those who were lost.
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Huberty's Mental Health Concerns
James Huberty expresses to his wife that he suspects he has a mental health problem.
Mental Health Appointment Request
Huberty calls a mental health clinic seeking an appointment but does not receive a timely response.
McDonald's Massacre Begins
James Huberty enters a McDonald's and begins shooting, killing 22 people and injuring 19 others.
Police Arrive at Scene
Police respond to the shooting, establishing a command post and deploying officers around the restaurant.
Huberty Shot by Sniper
SWAT sniper Charles Foster kills James Huberty, ending the shooting spree after 77 minutes.
Victims Identified
The identities of the victims are released, revealing the tragedy's impact on the community.
McDonald's Restaurant Demolished
The site of the massacre is demolished after discussions about its future as a memorial.
Memorial Unveiled
A permanent memorial for the victims of the massacre is dedicated in San Ysidro.
Lawsuit Dismissed
Lawsuits filed by victims' families against McDonald's and the police department are dismissed.
The San Ysidro McDonald's massacre occurred on July 18, 1984, at approximately 4:00 PM in San Ysidro, San Diego, California, when 41-year-old James Huberty opened fire inside the restaurant, killing 22 individuals, including an unborn child, and injuring 19 others. The incident lasted about 77 minutes until Huberty was shot and killed by a police sniper. Huberty had expressed concerns about his mental health just days prior to the attack and had attempted to seek help but was not contacted due to a clerical error. This massacre remains the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in U.S. history at the time and is still the deadliest in California, with a total of 23 fatalities, including the perpetrator.
Investigators and the public theorize that James Huberty's motive for the massacre may have stemmed from a combination of rage, suicidal ideation, and a desire for revenge. Some believe that his mental health issues, which he acknowledged shortly before the incident, played a significant role in his actions. Additionally, there is speculation regarding whether Huberty had targeted the McDonald's specifically or if it was a random choice influenced by his unstable mental state.
The San Ysidro McDonald's Massacre: A Day of Unthinkable Tragedy
A Quiet Suburb Shattered
On a seemingly ordinary summer afternoon, July 18, 1984, the peaceful San Ysidro neighborhood of San Diego, California, was forever changed by an act of unimaginable violence. At 32°33′21.2″N 117°03′15.0″W, the coordinates mark the McDonald's restaurant where 41-year-old James Oliver Huberty unleashed a brutal massacre that claimed 22 lives, including an unborn child, and injured 19 others. This horrific event, lasting approximately 77 minutes, etched itself into history as the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in the United States at that time, only to be surpassed seven years later by the events at Luby's Cafeteria. Nevertheless, it remains the deadliest mass shooting in California.
Prelude to Violence
James Huberty's journey to that tragic afternoon began days earlier. On July 15, 1984, he confided in his wife, Etna, about his suspicions of having a mental health problem. Seeking help, he reached out to a San Diego mental health clinic on July 17, leaving his contact details with a receptionist. Unfortunately, his name was misspelled as "Shouberty," and the call was logged as a non-crisis inquiry, delaying any response for 48 hours. Unaware of this error, Huberty waited by the phone, a quiet resolve settling over him as hours passed without the anticipated call.
That evening, despite the ominous undercurrent, Huberty appeared content. He spent time with his family, cycling to a nearby park with his wife and daughters, Zelia and Cassandra, and later watched a movie with Etna.
The Morning of July 18
The Huberty family's morning began with a visit to the San Diego Zoo. As they wandered the zoo's paths, James confided in Etna, expressing his belief that the mental health clinic's failure to return his call marked the end of any hope. "Well, society had their chance," he remarked, seemingly resigned to a grim fate.
After lunching at a McDonald's in the Clairemont neighborhood, the family returned home. It was here that Huberty's demeanor shifted. He donned a maroon T-shirt and green camouflage slacks, gathered his weapons—a 9mm Browning HP, a 9mm Uzi carbine, and a Winchester 1200 12-gauge shotgun—and informed his wife he was "going hunting... hunting for humans." With a gun over his shoulder, ammunition in hand, and a chilling farewell to his daughter, Zelia, he departed, stating, "Goodbye. I won't be back."
The Massacre Unfolds
At approximately 3:56 p.m., Huberty arrived at the McDonald's on San Ysidro Boulevard in his black Mercury Marquis sedan. Inside the restaurant, 45 unsuspecting customers and staff went about their day. Huberty entered with deadly intent, his arsenal and a bundle of ammunition concealed in a cloth bag.
The horror began when Huberty aimed his shotgun at 16-year-old employee John Arnold. Assistant manager Guillermo Flores shouted a warning, but initially, the gun did not fire. As Huberty fiddled with the weapon, manager Neva Caine approached, only to be shot beneath the left eye. She died minutes later.
Chaos erupted as Huberty shot Arnold and declared his intent to kill, referring to the patrons as "dirty swine" and claiming he had "killed a thousand" and intended to kill a thousand more. Victor Rivera, a 25-year-old customer, attempted to intervene, but Huberty silenced him with fourteen gunshots.
Huberty's rampage continued as he turned his attention to a group of women and children. He killed 19-year-old María Colmenero-Silva and nine-year-old Claudia Pérez, and wounded Pérez's sister, Imelda. He then targeted 11-year-old Aurora Peña and her aunt, Jackie Reyes, who shielded Aurora. Huberty shot Reyes 48 times, and as her eight-month-old son, Carlos, cried, Huberty ended his life with a single shot.
Families huddled together in terror, trying to protect their loved ones. Blythe Regan Herrera shielded her son, Matao, while her husband, Ronald, covered Matao's friend, Keith Thomas. Despite their efforts, Blythe and Matao were killed, and Thomas was wounded. Ronald survived his injuries.
Outside, Huberty continued his assault. He shot and killed 62-year-old Laurence Versluis and turned his attention to an elderly couple, Miguel and Aída Velázquez Victoria. Aída was killed instantly, and Miguel followed after cradling his wife's body.
Police Intervention and Resolution
The first emergency call came in moments after the shooting began, but an error directed officers to the wrong McDonald's. This delayed the lockdown and increased the chaos. When police finally arrived at the correct location ten minutes later, they found Huberty still firing indiscriminately.
Officer Miguel Rosario, the first on the scene, quickly relayed the situation to the San Diego Police Department. Soon, 175 officers, including SWAT team members, surrounded the restaurant. At 5:05 p.m., the order was given to neutralize the gunman.
Huberty roamed the restaurant, adjusting a portable radio to find news of his rampage. As the minutes dragged on, a police sniper seized a clear shot, ending Huberty's life and his reign of terror.
Aftermath and Legacy
In the wake of the massacre, the community of San Ysidro grappled with the devastation. Families mourned their losses, and survivors faced the long road to recovery. The tragedy prompted nationwide discussions about gun control and mental health, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of American society.
The San Ysidro McDonald's massacre remains a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of violence. It stands as a testament to the resilience of those who survived and the enduring memory of those who were lost.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Huberty's Mental Health Concerns
James Huberty expresses to his wife that he suspects he has a mental health problem.
Mental Health Appointment Request
Huberty calls a mental health clinic seeking an appointment but does not receive a timely response.
McDonald's Massacre Begins
James Huberty enters a McDonald's and begins shooting, killing 22 people and injuring 19 others.
Police Arrive at Scene
Police respond to the shooting, establishing a command post and deploying officers around the restaurant.
Huberty Shot by Sniper
SWAT sniper Charles Foster kills James Huberty, ending the shooting spree after 77 minutes.
Victims Identified
The identities of the victims are released, revealing the tragedy's impact on the community.
McDonald's Restaurant Demolished
The site of the massacre is demolished after discussions about its future as a memorial.
Memorial Unveiled
A permanent memorial for the victims of the massacre is dedicated in San Ysidro.
Lawsuit Dismissed
Lawsuits filed by victims' families against McDonald's and the police department are dismissed.