Antonio Moore, 40, faces first-degree premeditated murder charges after allegedly stabbing 65-year-old Rita Loncharich in the back at a Barnes & Noble in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on December 22, 2025, claiming no prior interaction or motive beyond an “internal buildup” triggering his fight-or-flight response.​
Attack Circumstances
The unprovoked incident unfolded around 7:53 p.m. inside the Legacy Avenue store, where Moore was charging his phone; he pulled a fixed-blade knife from his jacket, stabbed her once, heard her shocked cry of “He stabbed me,” then fled a quarter-mile into woods before capture via witness descriptions and surveillance.​
Victim’s Fate and Suspect Background
Loncharich, found with the knife embedded, died during surgery at St. Mary’s Medical Center despite rushed transport. Moore, in Florida about a week via bus from Georgia, confessed details to police and awaits a January 22 court date while held without bond.​
Official Response
Barnes & Noble’s plaza management expressed sorrow, prioritizing safety with enhanced security and law enforcement collaboration; no further victim details or Moore plea status available.
