Fatal Stabbing at Florida Barnes & Noble

A Tragic Event Shatters the Calm at a Florida Barnes & Noble

In a shocking and devastating incident, a quiet evening at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, turned into a scene of horror on December 23, 2025. A 65-year-old woman, later identified as Rita Loncharich, was fatally stabbed in an apparently unprovoked attack inside the popular retail store, sending shockwaves through the community.

The Incident: A Sudden and Unprovoked Attack

The violence erupted shortly before 8:00 PM local time. According to the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, officers responded to a frantic 911 call reporting a stabbing at the Barnes & Noble located on PGA Boulevard. Upon arrival, they found Ms. Loncharich unresponsive inside the store with a knife embedded in her back. Despite immediate aid rendered by officers and her subsequent transport to a local hospital, Ms. Loncharich succumbed to her injuries.

Witnesses and crucial store surveillance footage provided investigators with a description of the suspect. The alleged attacker, identified as 40-year-old Antonio Moore, reportedly fled the scene after the stabbing. Law enforcement quickly mobilized, utilizing the descriptions and footage to locate him.

The Arrest: A Suspect in Custody

Following a brief search, officers located Antonio Moore hiding in the woods adjacent to the Barnes & Noble. He was found wearing clothing matching what was observed in the surveillance footage. Mr. Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

Mr. Moore's alleged confession to police, detailed in a probable cause affidavit, paints a chilling picture of motiveless violence. He allegedly admitted to stabbing Ms. Loncharich in the back with a fixed-blade knife without any provocation or apparent motive. He reportedly told investigators that an "internal build up that led to his fight or flight response kicking in" prompted the attack, with Ms. Loncharich being described as "the closest person inside the store." Witnesses reportedly heard the victim exclaim, "he stabbed me," before the suspect fled.

Legal Proceedings and Aftermath

Antonio Moore was formally booked on December 24, 2025, on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder. During his initial court appearance the following day, a judge found probable cause for the charge and ordered that he be held without bond. Moore is scheduled to return to court next month.

Barnes & Noble's corporate office issued a brief statement, noting that the company does not comment on ongoing police investigations. The focus remains on the tragic loss of life and the profound impact on the victim's family, friends, and the community where such a violent act is deeply unsettling.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation

This horrific event has understandably raised concerns about safety in public spaces. While the attack appears to be isolated and targeted a random individual, the randomness of the violence is deeply disturbing. The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and Mr. Moore's background, including his statement that he arrived in the area approximately one week prior on a bus from Georgia and was inside the bookstore charging his phone before the incident.

As the community grapples with this tragedy, the memory of Rita Loncharich is at the forefront. The loss serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of violence, even in seemingly safe environments like a local bookstore.

"The randomness of the violence is deeply disturbing."

As legal proceedings move forward, the focus for the community remains on mourning the loss of Rita Loncharich and seeking answers in this senseless act.