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Suspect Held Without Bond After Fatal Barnes & Noble Stabbing in Palm Beach Gardens

Police say the suspect told investigators he did not know the victim, describing an unprovoked attack.

Overview

  • Rita Loncharich, 65, was found with a knife in her back inside the Legacy Place store shortly before 8 p.m. on Dec. 22 and died at a hospital.
  • Police identified 40-year-old Antonio R. Moore from witness accounts and surveillance video and arrested him in nearby woods about 1,500 feet from the store.
  • A probable-cause affidavit says Moore admitted stabbing Loncharich in the back, reported no prior interaction or motive, and cited an “internal buildup.”
  • Moore told officers he arrived by bus from Georgia about a week earlier and was homeless, according to the affidavit; he is charged with first-degree premeditated murder.
  • He made an initial court appearance Wednesday and is being held without bond as investigators continue to seek a motive and Legacy Place enhances on-site security.