Antonio Moore, 40, was arrested for first-degree premeditated murder after allegedly stabbing 65-year-old Rita Loncharich in the back at a Barnes & Noble in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on December 22, 2025.​
Incident Overview
The unprovoked attack occurred around 7:53 p.m. inside the store at 11380 Legacy Avenue, with no prior interaction between Moore and Loncharich. Officers found her unresponsive with the fixed-blade knife still in her back and rushed her to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where she died during surgery at 9:22 p.m.​​
Suspect’s Confession
Moore admitted to investigators that an “internal buildup” triggered his fight-or-flight response, targeting Loncharich as the nearest person while he charged his phone. He fled into nearby woods but was apprehended 1,500 feet away based on witness descriptions and surveillance footage; he had arrived from Georgia by bus about a week earlier.​
Legal Proceedings
Moore, held without bond in Palm Beach County Jail, claimed no motive and recounted hearing Loncharich say “He stabbed me” in shock. He appeared in court shortly after arrest, with no plea details available yet.
