Tragedy at a McDonald’s Drive-Thru: Feliciano “Felix” Curiel Fatally Shot in Late-Night Altercation
In a devastating and senseless act of violence, 36-year-old Feliciano “Felix” Curiel lost his life in the early morning hours of Saturday during a confrontation in the drive-thru lane of a McDonald’s located at Western Avenue and Romaine Street in East Hollywood. What began as a minor car collision quickly escalated into a heated dispute that ended in gunfire, leaving one man dead and a woman injured.
Witnesses say the altercation turned deadly when a man pulled out a firearm and shot Felix in the chest, also striking the woman—Felix’s fiancée—in the leg. The woman survived and is now recovering, but emotionally shattered. According to her brother, Tony Molina, the couple had been planning their wedding. “We shared many wonderful family trips together, and now it feels as though everything has been taken away in an instant,” Molina said through tears.
The senseless nature of the violence has left the community mourning and searching for answers as yet another life was cut short due to gun violence—this time at a fast-food restaurant in the middle of the night.
Humberto Delgado Arrested and Charged With Manslaughter
On Monday, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the arrest of 21-year-old Humberto Delgado, who is believed to have called the police himself after the fatal shooting. Delgado has since been charged with felony voluntary manslaughter and is being held on $100,000 bail.
Delgado reportedly told officers he acted in self-defense, though LAPD investigators have not confirmed that claim. According to eyewitness accounts, the dispute began when one vehicle bumped into another in the drive-thru. Tensions escalated rapidly, and what might have ended in a few exchanged words instead turned into a deadly gun battle, shattering multiple lives in mere seconds.
More than just a legal case, this tragedy now represents the growing fear that even the most mundane moments—like grabbing food late at night—can turn violent. Delgado’s fate now lies in the hands of the courts, but for the loved ones of Felix Curiel, no amount of justice can undo the damage done.
A Community Mourns a Life Lost Too Soon
As the investigation continues, friends and family have launched a GoFundMe to assist with Felix Curiel’s funeral expenses, and tributes continue to pour in on social media. Described as a kind, family-oriented man with a bright future ahead, Felix’s death has left a void that cannot be filled.
What makes the tragedy even more unbearable is that Felix and his fiancée were on the brink of starting a new chapter together. Instead of planning a wedding, she is now healing from gunshot wounds and grappling with the emotional trauma of watching the man she loved die before her eyes.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for conflict de-escalation awareness and gun responsibility in tense situations. For now, the East Hollywood community stands together in mourning, hoping that Felix’s death will not be in vain, and that justice—whatever form it may take—will be served.
Rest in Peace, Feliciano “Felix” Curiel
Your life was full of love, and your loss is a wound that will not soon heal.
