A California parolee who was released from prison earlier this year allegedly stabbed a Walmart employee to death on Monday, according to authorities.
Lonnie Hinton, 29, voluntarily reported to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department following the unprovoked attack.
“This appears to be a random incident, and there was no prior interaction between the suspect and the victim before the assault,” stated the sheriff’s department.
US MURDER FUGITIVE ‘EL DIABLO’ LOCATED WORKING AS A MEXICAN POLICE OFFICER 20 YEARS LATER
Lonnie Hinton, 29, has been charged with the random stabbing death of a Walmart employee in Lake Elsinore, Calif. (KTTV; Riverside County Sheriff’s Department)
Deputies were dispatched to the Walmart in Lake Elsinore, located 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles, around 7 a.m. in response to an assault with a deadly weapon.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Jessica Morales, 65, a resident of nearby Menifee, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite receiving medical assistance, Morales died at the scene.
“She was a wonderful person, a great friend. Everyone adored her,” shared one of Morales’ coworkers, who opted to remain anonymous, with Fox Los Angeles. The coworker noted that Morales had been employed at Walmart for over 25 years.
SHOCKING VIDEO CAPTURES FLORIDA CARJACKER DUMPING KIDNAPPED CHILD BY THE ROAD
Police tape surrounds a Walmart in Lake Elsinore, Calif., following the fatal stabbing of an employee on Monday. (KTTV)
Later that day, Hinton turned himself in at the sheriff’s station in Lake Elsinore. He was taken into custody on suspicion of murder and booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
Having been released from state prison earlier this year after serving time for robbery, Hinton was on parole at the time of the incident.
No motive has been revealed for the attack. Walmart expressed its sorrow over Morales’ death, stating they were “heartbroken.”
The parking lot of a Walmart in Lake Elsinore, Calif. (KTTV)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“The store will remain closed as we cooperate with law enforcement throughout their investigation,” the retail chain stated. “We extend our condolences and support to the family during this challenging time and will continue to provide assistance to our employees as necessary.”
