A man has been charged with stabbing a woman to death in a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Palm Beach Gardens just a few days before Christmas. The suspect, identified as Antonio R. Moore, 40, is accused of killing 65-year-old Rita B. Roncharic on the night of December 22.
Authorities state that Moore is not a Florida resident and traveled through several states, including Georgia and North Carolina, before reaching Florida. Reports indicate that he took a bus from Orlando to Titusville on December 15, and subsequently entered Palm Beach County.
The arrest affidavit reveals that Moore entered the bookstore around 7:29 p.m. Shortly after, Roncharic arrived, and it was in the store aisle that Moore allegedly approached her and stabbed her in the back with a pocket knife.
Moore reportedly claimed to police that he had a “fight or flight” reaction and pulled out a fixed-blade knife. He stated that he attacked Roncharic simply because she was the closest person to him at that moment, emphasizing that he had no prior contact with her.
Witnesses have said that bystanders attempted to assist Roncharic until paramedics arrived. Despite efforts, she was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center where she unfortunately died during surgery.
Shortly after the incident, police received a 911 call at 7:52 p.m. and located Moore blocks away from the bookstore a few minutes later. He was arrested without incident.
Moore, who is currently homeless, did not provide a motive for the attack and reiterated that he had no relationship with Roncharic. He admitted to being inside the store, charging his cell phone, shortly before the stabbing.
He faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder and is being held without bond.
Family and community members have described Roncharic as a “kind and gentle” person who tragically lost her life during a routine holiday outing.
