Photo from GoFundMe set up by Rocio Mendez.
By: Eye On Inglewood Staff Writer
Inglewood, CA - On the evening of June 8th, 2024, James O'Neill was the victim of a violent robbery and assault after attending a Janet Jackson concert at the Forum in Inglewood.
As O'Neill was making his way to his Uber after the show, he was suddenly surrounded by a group of approximately eight men. Without warning, one of the assailants slashed O'Neill with a machete, breaking his arm and causing severe lacerations.
"I kind of had tunnel vision, and started thinking of friends and family. Yeah, just thinking that my life is going to end and it was just horrible," O'Neill recounted in a statement to authorities.
The group proceeded to rob O'Neill of his wallet and phone before fleeing the scene, leaving him bloodied and seriously injured on the sidewalk. Passersby quickly called for emergency medical assistance, and O'Neill was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
"It was a truly horrific and senseless act of violence," said Inglewood Mayor James Butts. "We are working closely with the police department to apprehend the suspects and ensure justice is served."
O'Neill is currently in stable condition but faces a lengthy recovery process due to the severity of his injuries. The Inglewood community has rallied around him, offering support and calling for increased safety measures in the area to prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.
"No one should have to go through something like this, especially after what was supposed to be an enjoyable night out," O'Neill said. "I'm grateful to be alive, but this has been a traumatic experience that will stay with me forever."
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the Inglewood Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the search for the suspects.
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