PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (CBS12) — A woman was killed after police say she was stabbed inside a Barnes & Noble in Palm Beach Gardens Monday evening.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department said 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.
“I think it’s very distressing. I really do. I’m sorry to hear that. I feel a little upset to say the least. I’m sorry that it occurred. It’s a terrible thing,” said Carol Finger, a Barnes & Noble customer.
“That’s awful. You know, you hear these stories, and you don’t expect it to happen, and it’s just gut-wrenching,” said Quinn Davis, a Barnes & Noble customer.
We went to Loncharich’s home in Stuart seeking comment. Her husband spoke to us off-camera.
He said, according to police, the alleged attacker is a homeless person from Alabama who is mentally ill and had only been in Florida for about a week and he was living in the woods.
We’re still working to confirm that with the police.
Rita Loncharich’s husband says moments after the attack Monday night, his wife called him on her cell phone, telling him she had just been stabbed.
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 5:30 a.m. 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 & Noble customer from Jupiter Farms who did not give his last name.
“For violence to occur somewhere like that, for someone to lose their life there, it’s shocking,” said Rebekkah, another Barnes & Noble customer who also did not not provide her last name.
CBS12 News reached out to Barnes & Noble. The company stated it does not comment on ongoing police investigations.
Moore is being held without bond and is expected to make his initial court appearance Wednesday morning.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department at (561) 799-4584.
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