Palm Beach Gardens is reeling after a tragic and unprovoked attack at a local bookstore on Monday night. Authorities confirmed that 65-year-old Rita B. Loncharich was fatally stabbed inside the Barnes & Noble at 11380 Legacy Ave., part of the Legacy Place shopping center.
Police responded shortly before 8 p.m. and found Loncharich suffering from a stab wound. She was rushed to a nearby hospital by Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue but succumbed to her injuries while undergoing surgery.
Investigators report that the suspect, 40-year-old Antonio R. Moore, fled on foot after the attack. Based on eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage, Moore was located in a wooded area roughly 1,500 feet from the scene and taken into custody early Tuesday morning. Moore, described as a homeless man recently in the area, reportedly had no prior connection to Loncharich and provided no motive for the attack. He has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder and is being held without bond.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this shocking incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department at (561) 799-4584.
The community mourns the loss of Loncharich, remembering her as a valued member of the community whose life was cut tragically short.