A 20-year-old McDonald’s worker who suffered third-degree burns after a colleague allegedly threw hot cooking oil over him has spoken from his hospital bed about the painful recovery process, as the man accused of the attack remains in custody without bail.
Jacob Smith was scalded during his shift at the Sacramento-area restaurant on 30 May. The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office initially issued an at-risk missing-person alert for Jalani Bluett, 23, the worker accused of pouring the oil over him. Bluett was arrested the following day and now faces charges of causing bodily injury, battery and assault with a deadly weapon. He remains in custody at Sutter County Jail without bail, and it is unclear whether he has retained an attorney or entered a plea. Police have not released a motive for the attack.
Smith suffered severe burns to his face, arm and back and has since undergone multiple surgeries, including a skin graft. In a TikTok video shared by his fiancée Dulce, Smith said: “I just want to say I’m very, very thankful for everyone who’s supported me and loved me through this process. It’s been very, very painful. Definitely one of the hardest things in my life to get through.” He expressed gratitude for the support he had received through a GoFundMe set up by his mother, Amber, to help cover medical expenses, lost income and essentials during his recovery. “I’m extremely blessed, and I feel like one of the luckiest people on Earth,” he said. “I thank everyone for helping me feel that way and just helping me get through this. It was extremely difficult, but you guys made it feel easy.”
In the fundraiser’s description, Amber wrote: “At just 20 years old, Jacob has worked hard to build a future for himself. He is engaged to be married and has always been responsible, hardworking and committed to those he loves.” She described the attack as an “unexpected tragedy” that represented a “major setback” for her son “when he should be looking forward to building his life and planning his future.” She added: “As his mother, it broke my heart when he looked at me and said, ‘Why would he do this to me?'”
Dulce also shared a video tribute to Smith on TikTok, writing that “even when the worst thing that has ever happened happened to him, he continues to smile and be positive.”
