A tragic incident unfolded in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, as authorities are delving into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 65-year-old woman, who succumbed to stab wounds inflicted inside a Barnes & Noble bookstore.
The victim, identified as Rita Loncharich, was attacked on Monday evening at approximately 8 p.m. within the Legacy Place shopping center, as reported by WPTV.
Eyewitnesses recounted to police that the alleged assailant, 40-year-old Antonio Moore, fled the scene immediately after the stabbing occurred. Officers arrived to find Loncharich suffering from a stab wound inside the bookstore. Despite being transported to a nearby hospital, she tragically passed away due to her injuries.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department confirmed the case remains an “active and ongoing” investigation. As reported by ABC News, officials are yet to uncover the motive behind the brutal attack.
Antonio Moore has since been charged with murder. Court documents from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office indicate that he is facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the incident.
Jail records from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office show that Moore was booked on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder.
Loncharich’s husband said to CBS12 that his wife called him on her cell phone Monday night to inform him that she had been attacked.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a customer following an incident on property,” Legacy Place told WPTV.
A Barnes & Noble location in San Diego, Calif. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
“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,” it added.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Barnes & Noble for comment.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department said it is searching for a motive in the Barnes & Noble stabbing. (Palm Beach Gardens Police Department)
Moore reportedly will make his first court appearance Wednesday morning.
