Jessica Morales Obituary, Death News – A 65-year-old woman was tragically fatally stabbed without any clear provocation on Monday at a Walmart in Lake Elsinore, and the individual suspected of the crime, a parolee, has turned himself in to law enforcement. Lonnie Hinton, 29, from Wildomar, presented himself at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station and was subsequently booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center, as reported by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Jarred Bishop.
The incident took place shortly before 7 a.m. at the Supercenter located at 29260 Central Ave., near Interstate 15, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies found Jessica Morales of Menifee suffering from multiple stab wounds and provided life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, who later declared her deceased at the scene, stated Sgt. Wenndy Brito Gonzalez.
Further investigation revealed that the assault seemed to be random, with no prior interaction between Hinton and Morales. “Investigators discovered that Hinton had been released from state prison earlier this year for robbery and was on active parole at the time of the incident,” Bishop noted in a statement.
The victim had dedicated over 25 years of service to Walmart and was remembered as a devoted mother and supportive friend, according to a co-worker who wished to remain anonymous when speaking to Fox 11.
“She was an exceptionally good person. A wonderful friend. Everyone cherished her,” the co-worker remarked. “You come to work to assist customers, not to face violence or disrespect. You expect to feel safe in your workplace, but that is not the case.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the fatal stabbing to contact Investigator K. Farag or Investigator D. Robertson of the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.
