In a shocking event on Monday, August 5, 2024, Jessica Morales, a 65-year-old woman, was fatally stabbed inside a Walmart Supercenter situated on the 29000 block of Central Avenue in Lake Elsinore, California. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was alerted to the assault in the early morning, around 7 a.m.
The responding deputies discovered Morales, a resident of Menifee, California, with multiple stab wounds. Even though medical assistance was provided immediately, she could not survive the injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
The suspect in the case, 29-year-old Lonnie Hinton of Wildomar, California, surrendered at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station after the incident. Hinton, who was on parole following a robbery conviction in March 2024, has since been charged with first-degree murder. Currently, he is being held without bail at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
According to a press release by The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, the assault appears to be a random act of violence, with no previous interaction between Morales and Hinton. The horrifying incident has left the local community and store employees in shock, as a motive for the act is yet to be established.
In response to the event, a Walmart spokesperson expressed the company’s deepest condolences and confirmed that the Lake Elsinore store would remain closed during the ongoing investigation. The company also pledged to support the victim’s family and provide assistance to its employees during this trying time.
Prior to this, Hinton was detained in 2020 for allegedly stabbing an employee at a restaurant in Perris, California. The charges of assault with a deadly weapon were dismissed as part of a plea agreement, and he was convicted of robbery instead. His recent release and parole status have prompted questions about the conditions that led to the gruesome incident at Walmart.
A colleague of Morales, who wished to remain unnamed, described her as a remarkably kind individual and a cherished friend. The colleague further stated that Morales was held in high regard by everyone, underlining the personal impact of the tragedy.
The city of Lake Elsinore, located approximately 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles, California, is widely recognized for its scenic landscapes and serene environment. The violent incident has disturbed the peace of this suburban community, leaving its residents and officials seeking answers and justice for the victim.
Currently, the Lake Elsinore Walmart remains closed as the investigation continues. The company is focused on supporting its employees in the aftermath of this tragic event. Meanwhile, the community is concentrating on recovery and ensuring that justice is served.
