LAKE ELSINORE, CA – A man recently released on parole for robbery has been taken into custody for allegedly stabbing a Walmart employee, which resulted in the victim’s death. The suspect allegedly turned himself in to law enforcement shortly after the incident.
At approximately 7 a.m. on Monday, Riverside Sheriff’s Department received a notification of an assault involving a deadly weapon on the 29000 block of Central Avenue, Lake Elsinore. Upon arrival, the officers found Jessica Morales, a 65-year-old Walmart employee, suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Emergency medical assistance was provided at the scene, but Morales succumbed to her injuries. Following the incident, Lonnie Hinton, a 29-year-old man from Wildomar, surrendered himself at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station.
The Riverside Sheriff’s Department revealed that Hinton had been released on parole for a previous robbery earlier this year. He was subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of murder related to the fatal stabbing of Morales.
According to the department’s statement, the event seemed to be isolated. Investigators confirmed that no interaction occurred between Hinton and Morales prior to the assault, and there are no outstanding suspects in the case.
The Central Homicide Unit of the Riverside Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone who has relevant information about the incident to contact them.