Woman Fatally Stabbed Inside Barnes & Noble in Palm Beach Gardens: What Families Need to Know

A shocking and violent incident inside a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Palm Beach Gardens has left a woman dead and a community searching for answers after police say the attack was unprovoked.

According to authorities, officers responded around 7:53 p.m. on December 25 to the Barnes & Noble located at 11380 Legacy Avenue, where they found a woman unresponsive with a knife embedded in her back, as detailed in an arrest report.

The victim, Rita Berenice Loncharich, was rushed to the hospital but did not survive surgery, police confirmed.

Investigators say surveillance footage and witness accounts showed no prior interaction between the victim and the suspect before the attack.

Police arrested Antonio Roderick Moore, 40, approximately 1,500 feet from the store, shortly after the stabbing. According to the arrest report:

• Moore allegedly traveled to Palm Beach Gardens from Georgia by bus
• He told police he had been charging his phone inside the store
• He claimed an “internal buildup” caused a fight-or-flight response
• He allegedly stabbed the closest person to him from behind using a fixed-blade knife concealed in his jacket

Witnesses reported hearing the victim say, “He stabbed me,” as she appeared to be in shock.

Authorities emphasized that the attack was not provoked, and Moore has since been charged with first-degree premeditated murder.

While criminal charges address punishment, they do not answer broader questions about public safety and prevention—especially when violent crimes occur inside retail establishments.

When a fatal assault happens in a store open to the public, investigators and attorneys often examine whether:

• Security measures were in place
• Employees were trained to recognize suspicious behavior
• There was adequate staffing or monitoring
• Prior safety incidents had occurred at or near the location
• Emergency response protocols were followed

Retailers and property owners have a legal duty to provide reasonably safe premises for customers under Florida law.

Potential Civil Liability Beyond the Criminal Case

Although the suspect faces criminal prosecution, civil liability may also exist depending on the facts uncovered during investigation.

In some cases, a wrongful death claim may be pursued against third parties if negligence contributed to the conditions that allowed the attack to occur.

Potential defendants could include:

• Property owners or landlords
• Retail operators
• Security contractors (if applicable)
• Management companies

Civil claims focus on accountability, prevention, and compensation for the family—not punishment.

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, eligible surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering
• Loss of financial support and services
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Each case is fact-specific and requires early legal review to preserve evidence such as surveillance footage, incident reports, and witness statements.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Violent Deaths

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones due to violent acts, negligent security, and unsafe premises across South Florida, including Palm Beach County.

We intentionally keep a small caseload, ensuring families receive direct access to their attorneys—not call centers or case managers.

Our team can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Preserving surveillance and incident evidence
• Analyzing security protocols and prior incidents
• Identifying all potentially responsible parties
• Handling all communications with insurers and corporate defendants

Families pay nothing upfront—we only recover fees if we secure compensation.

If your loved one was killed in a violent incident inside a business or public space, you may have legal options beyond the criminal case.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.