68-Year-Old Liquor Store Employee Severely Injured in Violent Sucker Punch

WINCHESTER, Calif. (KTLA) — A shocking incident occurred last month when a 68-year-old liquor store employee was brutally attacked in Winchester. Carlos Munguia, who has been working at Sun Valley Market and Liquor for four years, sustained severe injuries after being sucker-punched by an unidentified assailant in broad daylight, according to the victim’s family.

The incident took place on October 27 in the store’s parking lot while Munguia was taking out the trash with a dolly. The surveillance video shows a man approaching Munguia and engaging in a conversation before delivering a sudden and violent sucker punch. The assailant then fled the scene, leaving Munguia injured and in need of immediate medical attention.

Carlos Munguia’s daughter-in-law, Alma Romero, expressed the devastating impact the attack has had on their family. She stated, “Right now, he barely opens his eyes. There are times when he knows who we are, and days when he doesn’t know who we are. It’s sad. We can’t talk to him or bring him home.”

The surveillance footage reveals the horrific aftermath of the attack, as Munguia falls to the ground and hits his head with tremendous force. The impact of the fall caused him to suffer a fractured skull and brain bleeding, leading to a long and uncertain road to recovery.

Munguia’s wife, who also works at the liquor store, became concerned when she noticed her husband’s prolonged absence. It was only when a customer assisted in bringing Munguia back into the store that she realized something was terribly wrong. When questioned about the incident, Munguia was initially confused and claimed to have fallen. However, his family only discovered the truth after watching the surveillance footage.

Romero speculates about the motive behind the attack, saying, “We don’t know what the conversation was about. Maybe he was asking for money, but Carlos is a person who would give money to someone in need. If they needed food, he would provide it.” The family remains perplexed as to why someone would target Munguia, a compassionate and helpful individual.

Following an extensive investigation, the suspect responsible for the assault was identified as 25-year-old Izack Ramirez from Winchester. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department apprehended Ramirez a day after the incident, uncovering evidence of the crime during a search of his residence. Ramirez now faces felony charges, including battery and inflicting great bodily injury to an elder. Despite pleading not guilty, he is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, November 17.