Man charged with murder of woman inside SoCal Walmart was on parole, has lengthy criminal history
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. - Authorities on Tuesday revealed new details surrounding the horrific stabbing death of an employee inside a Lake Elsinore Walmart.
The incident happened Aug. 5 around 7 a.m. at the store in the 29000 block of Central Avenue, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
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The suspect, 29-year-old Lonnie Hinton from Wildomar, allegedly stabbed 65-year-old Jessica Morales multiple times in what authorities called a "random event" as the two did not know each other prior to the incident.
Morales died at the scene.
"She was a really good person. Great friend. Everybody loved her," said one coworker, who wished to remain anonymous. The coworker mentioned that Morales had worked at Walmart for over 25 years and was a loving mother and supportive friend.
Jessica Morals / GoFundMe
Morales' family has set up a GoFundMe to help raise money for funeral expenses.
Hinton later turned himself in at the sheriff's station and was subsequently charged with one count of murder and lying in wait. If convicted as currently charged, Hinton faces a potential life sentence.
According to authorities, Hinton was released from state prison earlier this year for a robbery and was on active parole at the time of the alleged crime.
He is scheduled to make his first court appearance Aug. 8.
Lonnie Hinton was arrested for murder in connection with the death of 65-year-old Jessica Morales. / Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Authorities are not looking for any other suspects in connection with Morales' fatal stabbing.
In a statement, Walmart said, "We're heartbroken by what has happened at our Lake Elsinore store. The facility will remain closed as we work with police during their investigation. We offer our condolences and support to the family during this difficult time and will continue working with our associates, providing support as needed."
Anyone with information can call Investigator K. Farag or Investigator D. Robertson of the Central Homicide Unit at 951–955–2777.