PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (CBS12) — A woman was killed after police say she was stabbed inside a Barnes & Noble in Palm Beach Gardens on Monday evening.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department said that the attack happened around 7:53 p.m. on December 22 at the bookstore at 11380 Legacy Avenue. Officers responded to a report of a stabbing, and at the scene, found the victim — Rita B. Loncharich — inside and immediately began lifesaving efforts. The 65-year-old woman was rushed to a local hospital by Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, but later died from her injuries.
Witnesses told investigators the suspect stabbed Loncharich and fled on foot. Detectives identified the suspect as Antonio R. Moore, 40, and found him shortly after the stabbing. PBGPD has yet to release a motive, and the investigation remains active. Police say Moore has been charged with first degree murder and was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail at about 5:30am Tuesday.
A tragic stabbing at a Barnes & Noble in Palm Beach Gardens left a woman dead Monday evening. Police say the attack occurred around 7:53 p.m. on December 22 at the Legacy Avenue bookstore, where officers found 65-year-old Rita B. Loncharich critically injured. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts and transport to a local hospital by Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, Loncharich later died. Witnesses reported that the assailant fled on foot after the stabbing. Detectives quickly identified the suspect as 40-year-old Antonio R. Moore and apprehended him shortly after the incident. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing. (PBC Jail)
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“It’s terrible that anybody can’t walk into a regular store without being fearful of being stabbed,” said David, a Barnes and Noble customer from Jupiter Farms who did not give his last name.
“I mean, it’s awful that something like that could happen. My heart goes up to the family affected and, you know, the community itself, the workers who witnessed such a thing like, I don’t know you know how to react in this situation. I never really thought about this type of situation happening,” said Rebekkah, another Barnes and Noble customer who also did not not provide her last name.
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Anyone with information is urged to contact the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department at (561) 799-4584.
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