Authorities have revealed chilling details about the man accused of a shocking pre-Christmas crime at a Palm Beach Gardens Barnes & Noble. The suspect, Antonio R. Moore, 40, allegedly stabbed a woman to death inside the bookstore on December 22. Police have identified the victim as 65-year-old Rita B. Loncharich.
Moore, who hails from outside Florida, had reportedly journeyed through several states, including Georgia and North Carolina, before his arrival in the Sunshine State. According to law enforcement, he had traveled from Orlando to Titusville on December 15 and then made his way into Palm Beach County.
The tragic incident unfolded in the evening hours when Moore entered the bookstore at approximately 7:29 p.m., just minutes before Loncharich. Without warning, Moore approached Loncharich in one of the aisles and allegedly stabbed her in the back with a pocketknife, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by WFLX Fox 29.
The story takes a disturbing turn as Moore reportedly explained his actions to the police. As reported by the Palm Beach Post, he claimed to have experienced a “fight or flight” response, prompting him to pull a fixed-blade knife from his jacket. He confessed to choosing Loncharich as his victim simply because she was nearest to him, insisting there was no prior interaction between them.
Moore now faces a murder charge stemming from this harrowing event, which has left the Palm Beach Gardens community reeling during what should have been a festive season.
According to the Palm Beach Post, Moore allegedly told police a “fight or flight” response overtook him, and he took a fixed-blade knife from his jacket pocket. He reportedly told police that he stabbed Loncharich because she was the closest person to him at the time and said he did not have any prior interaction with her.
A Barnes & Noble location in San Diego, Calif. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Bystanders helped the victim until first responders arrived, the local outlet reported. Loncharich was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where she died during surgery.
Police received a 911 call at 7:52 p.m. and located Moore several blocks from the scene minutes later. He was taken into custody without incident.
Moore, who police say is homeless, told investigators he had no prior relationship with the victim and offered no motive for the attack. According to authorities, he admitted to sitting in the store charging his phone just before the stabbing.
Jail records from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office show that Moore was booked on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder. He is being held without bond.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department said it is searching for a motive in the Barnes & Noble stabbing. (Palm Beach Gardens Police Department)
Local family members and community members described Loncharich as a “kind, gentle” person whose life was cut short during what should have been a routine holiday outing.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department for comment.
