James Huberty

Mass Murderer

James Huberty and the 1984 San Ysidro McDonald's Massacre

Background

James Oliver Huberty was born on October 11, 1942, in Canton, Ohio. He experienced a difficult childhood marked by illness, family instability and social isolation. Huberty contracted polio when he was three years old and temporarily required braces on both legs. Although he recovered sufficiently to walk, he retained a noticeable limp. His mother left the family when he was young, an abandonment that reportedly affected him deeply. As an adult, Huberty married Etna Markland and became the father of two daughters. He trained as an embalmer but spent much of his working life as a welder. Former acquaintances described him as angry, suspicious and intensely interested in firearms. He accumulated several weapons, practiced shooting and frequently spoke about violence, social collapse and his belief that the government and society were turning against him. Economic problems worsened his behavior. Huberty lost his welding job in Ohio in 1982 as the local economy declined. The family briefly moved to Mexico before settling in the San Ysidro neighborhood of San Diego, California. Huberty obtained work as a security guard, but he was dismissed on July 10, 1984. His employer reportedly cited poor performance and concerns about his physical instability.

Warning Signs Before the Massacre

On July 17, 1984, Huberty telephoned a mental health clinic seeking an appointment. He reportedly told the receptionist that he was experiencing mental problems and needed assistance. His call was categorized as nonurgent, partly because he did not clearly describe an immediate intention to harm himself or others. A return call was never completed before the massacre. According to his wife, Huberty appeared frustrated that the clinic had not contacted him. On the morning of Wednesday, July 18, the family visited the San Diego Zoo. During the visit, Huberty reportedly told Etna that his life was essentially over and remarked that society had been given an opportunity to help him. The family later ate lunch at another McDonald's restaurant and returned to their apartment. That afternoon, Huberty changed into camouflage pants and a dark red shirt. He gathered a 9mm Browning Hi-Power pistol, a 9mm Uzi-style carbine, a Winchester Model 1200 12-gauge shotgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. As he prepared to leave, he reportedly told his wife that he was going hunting. When she asked what he intended to hunt, he answered that he was hunting humans.

Arrival at the San Ysidro McDonald's

At approximately 3:56 p.m. on July 18, 1984, Huberty drove his black Mercury Marquis to the McDonald's restaurant at 460 West San Ysidro Boulevard in San Ysidro, a community in southern San Diego near the United States-Mexico border. Approximately 45 customers were inside the restaurant, along with employees working behind the counter and in the kitchen. Huberty entered carrying his weapons and ammunition. He initially aimed the shotgun at 16-year-old employee John Arnold, but the weapon did not fire immediately. After manipulating the shotgun, Huberty discharged it and then began firing his other weapons. Restaurant manager Neva Denise Caine, 22, was among the first people fatally shot. Arnold was wounded but survived. Huberty ordered people to the floor and moved throughout the dining area, repeatedly firing at customers and employees. Some victims attempted to hide beneath tables and booths. Others tried to protect children or wounded companions. Several employees escaped into a basement utility room, where they remained until police entered the building. ...

Confirmed Victims: (21)

Elsa Herlinda Borboa-Firro 19 yr old Female

James Oliver Huberty | EBSCO Research Starters