A 65-year-old woman was fatally stabbed Monday night at a Barnes & Noble store in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, police said. The attack happened on Dec. 22 at around 7:53 p.m. at the bookstore at 11380 Legacy Avenue.
Victim identified
The victim has been identified as Rita B. Loncharich, 65. Officers responding to reports of a stabbing found her inside the store and immediately began life-saving efforts. She was taken to a local hospital by Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue but later died from her injuries.
Attack without warning
According to court documents, Loncharich was reading a magazine when she was stabbed in the back without warning. Despite her injuries, she managed to call her husband Stuart Loncharich and tell him she had been stabbed.
Suspect arrested nearby
Surveillance footage showed the suspect fleeing the store and running into nearby woods, where he was quickly apprehended by officers. Officers found Loncharich with a knife stuck in her back, the affidavit states. She was pronounced dead shortly before 9:30 p.m
The suspect was identified and charged
Police have identified the suspect as Antonio Moore, 40, described as a homeless man who arrived in Florida by bus from Georgia about a week ago. Investigators said Moore confessed to the stabbing and admitted he had no prior interaction with the victim.
Mental illness mentioned in the affidavit
According to an arrest affidavit, Moore blamed a psychotic “internal build-up” and told investigators he picked on the “closest person in the store.” Police said the suspect has a history of mental illness and lived in the woods near the area.
Court proceedings
Moore has been charged with first degree premeditated murder and is being held without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
