Homeless drifter accused of killing Barnes & Noble shopper blamed ‘fight or flight’ outburst

Authorities say the man accused of fatally stabbing a woman inside a Palm Beach Gardens Barnes & Noble just days before Christmas had traveled through several states before arriving in Florida.

Palm Beach Gardens police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Antonio R. Moore. He is charged with killing 65-year-old Rita B. Loncharich inside the bookstore on the evening of Dec. 22.

Investigators said Moore is not a Florida resident and had traveled through multiple states, including Georgia and North Carolina, before entering Florida. Police said he boarded a bus on Dec. 15, traveling from Orlando to Titusville before continuing into Palm Beach County.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by WFLX Fox 29, Moore entered the Barnes & Noble around 7:29 p.m., with Loncharich arriving shortly afterward. Police say Moore approached her in a store aisle and stabbed her in the back with a knife.

Moore entered the bookstore Barnes and Noble store first while Rita Loncharich arrived shortly afterward. Google Maps

The Palm Beach Post reported that Moore told investigators he experienced a “fight or flight” response and removed a knife from his jacket. He allegedly told police he attacked Loncharich because she was the closest person to him at the time and said he had no prior interaction with her.

Bystanders attempted to help Loncharich until emergency responders arrived. She was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where she died during surgery.

Police received a 911 call at approximately 7:52 p.m. Officers located Moore several blocks away minutes later and took him into custody without incident.

Moore allegedly stabbed Loncharich because she was the closest person to him at the time inside the bookstore. Gofundme

Loncharich died during surgery after the brutal attack. Gofundme

Authorities said Moore, who is believed to be homeless, told investigators he had no prior relationship with the victim and offered no clear motive for the attack. He reportedly admitted to sitting inside the store charging his phone shortly before the stabbing.

Jail records from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office show Moore was booked on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder and is being held without bond.

Family members and community members described Loncharich as a kind and gentle person whose life was tragically cut short during what should have been a routine holiday outing.

Fox News Digital has contacted the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department for additional comment.

original source