Jessica Morales Obituary, Death – Jessica Morales Obituary, Death – A Walmart employee in Lake Elsinore was fatally stabbed by a parolee in what authorities described as an apparently “random” assault within the store. The tragic event occurred around 7 a.m. on Monday at the location on Central Avenue, as reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The deceased has been identified as 65-year-old Jessica Morales, a resident of Menifee, who was discovered with multiple stab wounds.
According to officials, the suspect, 29-year-old Lonnie Hinton from Wildomar, was on parole after being released from prison on March 23 of this year, having served time for second-degree robbery and second-degree burglary. Investigators have stated that there was no prior interaction between the victim and the suspect before the stabbing incident.
An employee at Walmart initially informed Eyewitness News off camera that the suspect became agitated when the employee was unable to access a locked cabinet, but investigators later concluded that the attack seemed to be random in nature.
Following the incident on Monday, Hinton was apprehended on suspicion of murder after he voluntarily surrendered at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station, according to authorities.
Walmart issued a statement expressing their sorrow over the incident, stating: “We are devastated by the events that have transpired at our Lake Elsinore store. The facility will remain closed as we collaborate with law enforcement during their investigation. We extend our heartfelt condolences and support to the family during this challenging time and will continue to assist our associates, providing necessary support.”
