He Hits the Jackpot Twice, but What Happens Next Is a Shocking Twist!

A California man is taking legal action against the state lottery, claiming he is entitled to the full $394 million Mega Millions jackpot from December 2023. Faramarz Lahijani alleges he purchased both winning tickets but has only received half the prize.

The lawsuit, filed on Dec. 6 in Los Angeles Superior Court, outlines Lahijani’s frustration and fight for the other $197 million he believes is rightfully his. According to the complaint, Lahijani says he bought two identical tickets with the same set of numbers he has played consistently for three decades: 21, 26, 53, 66, 70, and the mega number 13.

“These numbers were chosen long ago by my children,” Lahijani states in his claim. Both tickets were purchased at a Chevron gas station in Encino, Calif., and matched the winning combination for the Dec. 8, 2023 draw.

“Entitled to the Entire Jackpot”

Lahijani’s legal team argues that he deserves the full jackpot amount, including the $197 million associated with the second ticket. The issue? He can no longer locate that second ticket. The lawsuit claims the California Lottery has enough evidence to confirm Lahijani purchased both tickets and is therefore “the sole and rightful winner of the $394 million jackpot.”

According to court documents, the California Lottery previously verified that only two matching tickets were sold for the Dec. 8 drawing—both of which Lahijani insists he bought. His claim for the missing ticket was submitted to the lottery on Dec. 4, just days before the submission deadline. Filing the lawsuit, he said, was a precautionary step to ensure his case is heard.

A Murky Lottery Dispute

The California Lottery has yet to comment on the specifics of the case. A spokesperson stated, “It would not be appropriate for the California Lottery to comment on an active lawsuit or any pending litigation to protect the integrity of the process involved.”

This unusual case raises questions about the protocols surrounding lottery claims and how disputes over missing tickets are handled. While Lahijani says his consistent use of the same numbers over decades demonstrates he purchased both tickets, proving ownership of the misplaced ticket could pose a legal challenge.

A Jackpot Mystery with Legal Consequences

Lahijani’s lawsuit emphasizes the emotional and financial stakes of this ordeal. Winning the lottery is often seen as a life-changing event, but for Lahijani, it has turned into a high-stakes battle for justice. The missing ticket could mean the difference between a life of unimaginable wealth and an unresolved legal dispute.

As the case unfolds, Lahijani and the California Lottery are locked in a battle over the biggest prize of all—a resolution that determines the fate of $394 million.