Woman stabbed to death inside Florida Barnes & Noble identified
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - Police in Florida are investigating after a 65-year-old woman died from stab wounds she suffered inside a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Palm Beach Gardens.
What we know:
The incident involving victim Rita Loncharich happened around 8 p.m. Monday at the Legacy Place shopping center, according to WPTV.
Witnesses told police that the suspect, 40-year-old Antonio Moore, ran out of the store after stabbing Loncharich, the station reported. Loncharich was found by responding officers inside the Barnes & Noble suffering from a stab wound and later died from her injuries after being taken to a local hospital.
"This investigation is active and ongoing," the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department said in a statement, according to ABC News. "Investigators are still trying to determine a motive for this attack."
Antonio Moore, 40, is facing a murder charge following the alleged stabbing at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (Google Maps/Palm Beach Sheriff's Office)
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.
What they're saying:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a customer following an incident on property," Legacy Place told WPTV.
"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.
What's next:
Moore was reportedly due in court for his first appearance on Wednesday morning.