A 65-year-old woman, Rita Loncharich, was fatally stabbed inside the Barnes & Noble at Legacy Place in Palm Beach Gardens around 8 p.m. Monday. Witnesses say 40-year-old Antonio Moore fled the scene but was arrested shortly afterward and booked on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder. Police say the investigation is ongoing and a motive has not yet been determined; Loncharich’s husband reported she called him to say she had been attacked.
65-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed Inside Barnes & Noble At Legacy Place; Suspect Arrested
Woman in Florida Barnes & Noble stabbed to death, police seek motive
Police in Palm Beach Gardens are investigating after a 65-year-old woman, Rita Loncharich, died from stab wounds she suffered inside the Barnes & Noble bookstore at Legacy Place.
The attack occurred around 8 p.m. Monday, according to local reports. Witnesses told investigators that the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Antonio Moore, ran from the store after the assault. Responding officers found Loncharich inside the store with a stab wound; she was transported to a nearby hospital and later died of her injuries.
Jail records from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office show Moore was booked on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder. Officials say Moore was taken into custody shortly after the incident and is expected to make his first court appearance Wednesday morning.
A Barnes & Noble location in San Diego, Calif.
“This investigation is active and ongoing,”the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department said in a statement, adding that investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the attack.
Loncharich’s husband told CBS12 that his wife called him Monday night to say she had been attacked. Legacy Place issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victim’s family and confirming cooperation with law enforcement.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a customer following an incident on property. Our hearts are with the victim’s family, friends and all those impacted. Police responded quickly and a suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident. Safety remains our top priority. We are working closely with local law enforcement, enhancing our on-site security presence and reviewing protocols with tenants,”the statement read.
Fox News Digital and other outlets reported that Barnes & Noble was contacted for comment. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
