On Monday morning, August 5, 2024, Jessica Morales, a 65-year-old resident of Menifee, California, was brutally stabbed to death inside a Walmart Supercenter in Lake Elsinore, California. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, they received calls about an assault taking place at the store situated on Central Avenue’s 29000 block just past 7 a.m.
Deputies arrived at the scene to find Morales with multiple stab wounds. Despite receiving immediate medical care, her injuries proved fatal and she was declared dead at the scene.
Lonnie Hinton, a 29-year-old resident of Wildomar, has been identified as the suspect by the authorities. Hinton, who was on parole following a March 2024 release from prison for a robbery conviction, surrendered himself at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station after the incident. He is currently facing a first-degree murder charge and is being held without bail at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release, stating that the assault appeared to be random, with no known previous interaction between Hinton and Morales. This unexpected violence has left the store employees in shock, as authorities have yet to determine a motive for the crime.
A Walmart spokesperson shared a statement expressing sympathy and announced that the Lake Elsinore store will remain closed while the crime is under investigation. Walmart also assured that it will continue to support its employees during this difficult time.
In 2020, Hinton was arrested following allegations of stabbing a restaurant employee in Perris, California. The employee survived, and assault charges were dropped in a plea agreement, leading to a robbery charge against Hinton. His recent release from prison and subsequent parole status have raised concerns about the circumstances leading up to the Walmart incident.
An anonymous coworker described Morales as an extraordinarily kind individual and a wonderful friend. She was loved by many, underlining the personal impact of this tragedy.