Family of man fatally stabbed at Downey Civic Center files $40 million claim against city

DOWNEY – The family of a Downey man who was fatally stabbed last year at the Civic Center parking lot has filed a $40 million government tort claim against the city, alleging officials failed to maintain a safe public facility and provide adequate emergency response.

The claim, filed March 6 by the law firm Curd, Galindo & Smith on behalf of the family of Reinaldo Jesus Lefonts, is a required step before a civil lawsuit can be brought against the City of Downey.

Lefonts, described in the filing as a longtime Downey resident, was stabbed Sept. 13, 2025, while charging his electric vehicle at a city-owned charging station in the Civic Center parking lot near the Downey Public Library.

According to the claim, Lefonts was attacked by Giovanni Navarro while waiting for his vehicle to charge. Navarro had 28 prior criminal convictions, including offenses such as brandishing a weapon, attempted burglary and criminal threats, and had reportedly been arrested and released for trespassing at the same location less than 24 hours before the stabbing.

The claim alleges the city failed to address known safety issues at the Civic Center area, citing approximately 675 calls for service at the Downey Library and Civic Center between January 2022 and December 2025 involving incidents such as assaults, robberies, arson and other public safety concerns.

Attorneys for the family also contend the city did not provide adequate security at the parking lot despite having contracted with a private security firm to patrol city facilities. The filing further argues that signs posted in the lot stating the area was under “24-hour surveillance” created an expectation that the site was being actively monitored.

The claim also raises concerns about the emergency response following the stabbing. According to the filing, a Downey Fire Department rescue vehicle that responded to the scene lacked a required safety device and was later stolen by another individual while paramedics were present. The vehicle was reportedly involved in a pursuit that ended in a crash in Alhambra. Lefonts was pronounced dead at the scene.

The family’s claim alleges multiple legal theories, including dangerous condition of public property, negligence, wrongful death and violations of civil rights.

Lefonts is survived by his wife, Amalia Menendez-Lefonts, and sons Michael and Brian Lefonts. The claim seeks $5 million in economic damages and $35 million in general damages related to the loss of life, emotional distress and loss of companionship suffered by the family.

Under California law, a government tort claim must be submitted before a lawsuit can proceed against a public agency. If the claim is rejected or not resolved, the family may file a civil lawsuit in court.

City officials had not immediately responded to the allegations contained in the claim.